Details

Release year: 1958

Storyline

After his father's death, an orphan goes to live with his free-spirited aunt in 1928 Manhattan. Conflict ensues when the executor of his father's estate objects to the aunt's lifestyle, as they deal with the difficulties of the Depression.

Top credits

Directors

Morton DaCosta

Writers

Cast

Rosalind Russell — Mame Dennis
Forrest Tucker — Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside
Coral Browne — Vera Charles
Fred Clark — Dwight Babcock

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Awards

0 wins & 6 nominations

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Did you know

• Rosalind Russell broke her ankle in the first take of the scene where she comes flying down the stairs in the gown with the capri pants and shooting had to be delayed until she recovered.

• Morton DaCosta maintained a theatrical feel to the film's visual style throughout, including his choice to use the artistic touch of blacking out the set and fading out on Mame's face at the end of each scene. This technique was known, according to author Richard Tyler Jordan, as a "Flanagan Fade," named after chief electrician at Warner Bros. Frank Flanagan, who came up with the unique flourish.

• Reportedly, the character of Auntie Mame was based on Patrick Dennis's real-life aunt, Marian Tanner. A good-natured eccentric, who lived to be nearly one hundred years old, Ms. Tanner's advice to those seeking a more interesting, adventurous life was to never be afraid to try a new experience and to keep an open mind about everything and everybody.