Film Overview"Toys in the Attic" is a 1963 drama film directed by George Roy Hill and starring Dean Martin, Geraldine Page, and Wendy Hiller. The motion picture is based on a play of the same name by Lillian Hellman.
PlotThe story is set in New Orleans revolving around the lives of spinster sisters, Carrie Berniers (Geraldine Page) and Anna Berniers (Wendy Hiller), who live in a shabby French Quarter home. They are economically supported by their younger brother, Julian Berniers (Dean Martin), a kind-hearted entrepreneur.
One day, Julian returns after selling the family cotton business with his child-like, manipulative and flamboyant bride-to-be Lily Prine Berniers (Oscar-nominated Yvette Mimieux). The movie goes to excellent lengths to highlight the uncommon relationship in between the two siblings and their sibling.
Carrie is especially possessive about Julian and envious of anyone who attempts to enjoy his attention, including Lily. Rather of welcoming Lily, Carrie becomes overly protective and suspicious of her objectives towards her cherished bro.
Main EventsUpon Julian's return, it is revealed he overemphasized about his financial success. In reality, he is deep in debt due to Lily's expensive taste, and he sunk much of his cash into an invention that stops working. Moreover, Julian borrowed money from a pal, who is a callous businessman, and can't repay it.
Carrie and Anna find this and sell their mom's house without Julian's understanding, offering Julian with adequate to settle and pay his financial obligation. However, instead of utilizing the money carefully, Julian, under Lily's impact, spends it on a lavish lifestyle.
ClimaxThe climax of the movie gets here completely force when the envious and obsessed Carrie faces Lily about her elegant way of life, which brings the family to the verge of financial ruin. Carrie insists Lily leave Julian, utilizing the sale of their mother's house as take advantage of. In a fit of rage, an intolerable fight happens where household tricks, lies, and ill-intentions are revealed, leading to a terrible ending.
Themes and Reception"Toys in the Attic" explores bleak themes of familial love, jealousy, and betrayal. Dean Martin's performance as Julian was popular, showing his quality as a dramatic star instead of his normal comedic roles.
Geraldine Page gave a remarkable efficiency as the possessive and envious sibling. Likewise, Mimieux's portrayal of the naive and indulgent Lily was commendable.
Conclusion"Toys in the Attic" is a tense drama with undercurrents of dark family tricks and unhealthy fascination. The movie ends on a terrible note, leaving the audience brooding over concerns connected to trust, love, household ties, and the severe truth of how jealousy can ruin relationships. It suggests that in some cases, in order to conserve the ones we enjoy, we might need to let them go. In spite of being a film of the early 60s, its styles are ageless, making "Toys in the Attic" appropriate even today.
Top Cast
