Mame (1974)

Mame Poster

Following the death of his father, an orphan is sent to live with his free-spirited aunt.

Film Overview
"Mame" is a 1974 American musical movie directed by Gene Saks and adapted by Paul Zindel. The movie is based on the 1966 Broadway musical of the exact same name by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee. The film presents Lucille Ball in her last theatrical film efficiency alongside an ensemble cast that includes Bea Arthur, Bruce Davison, Robert Preston, and Jane Connell.

Plot Synopsis
The story of "Mame" focuses on an abundant and unconventional socialite called Mame Dennis who is suddenly tasked with looking after her departed sibling's ten-year-old kid, Patrick. Mame is a totally free spirit who believes in experiencing all that life needs to use. However, Patrick's arrival gets her into unknown area of child-rearing.

Way of life and Influence
Mame's progressive and bohemian lifestyle influences Patrick positively, making him see a more comprehensive point of view of life. Mame's world consists of over-the-top parties, eccentric good friends, and unparalleled adventures - quite contradictory to the typical, grounded upbringing Patrick was accustomed to.

Love and Married Life
When Mame satisfies and weds the wealthy Southern plantation owner Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside, her hedonistic lifestyle goes through a fleeting phase of stability. Nevertheless, the stability does not last long as Beauregard dies in an unexpected mishap, leaving Mame in a state of misery.

Dispute and Resolution
After Beauregard's death, Mame finds herself coping Patrick's legal guardian, Dwight Babcock, who disapproves of her lifestyle and influence on Patrick. She begins to feel threatened when Patrick starts falling for an oppressive, narrow-minded debutante, Gloria Upson under Babcock's impact. Nevertheless, Mame manages to expose Gloria and her household's snobbery, making Patrick understand their true nature. In the end, Mame encourages Patrick to break the engagement, conserving him from a lifetime of prospective anguish.

Travel Adventures
The movie concludes with a scene revealing Mame heading for an adventurous tour to India with her recently embraced kid, Peter, thus continuing her practice of differing typical courses and exploring the world's diversity in terms of cultures and life.

Vital Reception
"Mame" received blended reviews from critics and audiences. While some admired Ball's efficiency and the film's lively musical numbers, others criticized its run-time and less-than-perfect adaptation of the phase musical. In spite of the combined reaction, "Mame" holds an unique place in the category of musical films for its special story and lasting efficiency by Lucille Ball.

Overall, "Mame" is a movie that represents a female's courage and influence, in addition to her deep desire to check out and comprehend the diversity of life, with a hint of funny, drama, and music.

Top Cast

  • Lucille Ball (small)
    Lucille Ball
    Mame Dennis
  • Bea Arthur (small)
    Bea Arthur
    Vera Charles
  • Robert Preston (small)
    Robert Preston
    Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside
  • Bruce Davison (small)
    Bruce Davison
    Older Patrick
  • Kirby Furlong (small)
    Kirby Furlong
    Young Patrick
  • Jane Connell (small)
    Jane Connell
    Agnes Gooch
  • George Chiang
    Ito
  • Joyce Van Patten (small)
    Joyce Van Patten
    Sally Cato
  • Doria Cook-Nelson
    Gloria Upson
  • Don Porter (small)
    Don Porter
    Mr. Upson
  • Audrey Christie (small)
    Audrey Christie
    Mrs. Upson