Southern Gothic soap opera at its misery laden best. The story takes place in New Orleans, where it's hot and sticky 24/7. Dean Martin stars as Julian Berniers, who was raised by his two spinster sisters, Carrie (Geraldine Page), and Anna (Wendy Hiller). The two women have made their brother the center of their lives. Julian has been living and working in Chicago. He's returned home with a beautiful young wife, Lily Prine (Yvette Mimieux), also a native of New Orleans. He also has a lot of money and expensive gifts, which make his sisters suspicious. With Lily in the picture, the family dynamic changes drastically. Carrie, who has always been close to Julian, is jealous of his young wife.
And the plot thickens. Lily's wealthy mother (Gene Tierney) lives in a romantic relationship with her former chauffeur, a black man (Frank Silvera). A cousin of this man, Charlotte Watkins (Nan Martin), has been passing for white and is in an abusive marriage to a rich white man. Julian, who was once involved with this woman, is discreetly trying to help her escape her violent marriage. The insecure Lily is afraid her husband is having an affair. As if that isn't enough to shake the magnolia blossoms off of their sweaty branches, we learn that Carrie's obsessive attachment to Julian has serious incestuous overtones.
This high pitched drama comes together perfectly in large part because of the talented cast. Few actresses have been as convincing playing sad, repressed women as Geraldine Page, and she gives a brilliant performance here, as does Wendy Hiller in a perfectly controlled portrayal of the quieter sister. The real surprise is Dean Martin, who brings physical and emotional intensity to his portrayal of Julian.
The film was based on a play by Lillian Hellman. The screenplay was written by James Poe (CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, SUMMER AND SMOKE). The director was George Roy Hill (BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, THE STING).
Depressing, but definitely worth seeing. Just keep the mint julep flowing.
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