Suddenly Last Summer

[karina]

One of my favourite Kate films, but why do you think she hated it so much? I know she didn't like the general atmosphere onset - in particular the treatment of Montgomery Clift - and obviously wasn't too keen on the subject matter, but in that case, why agree to do the film at all? I'm very glad she did, but what personal circumstances at the time compelled her to accept the role of a character she disliked immensely?

[Shaun]

I don't know. To stretch her range even further? Maybe she just wanted to do a Tennessee Williams piece. He was considered one of the greatest playwrights of his time.

[Hepburner]

I have to say: I loved it too.
It's hard, seeing art by someone so good, loving it so much, and then hearing they hated doing it.
It's in a similar vein to The Iron Petticoat. That is by no means one of Kate's better films, but still, she's good, as always. And you feel like you shouldn't like it, because she didn't. Dilemma. What a bore.

As for Suddenly, Last Summer - I'm sure I read that Kate loved the play, loved the screenplay, loved Tennessee Williams (and who wouldn't?). In other words, loved the work, but that the on-set atmosphere was ALL that ruined it.
I think it only natural to look back on the whole project negatively, if the shooting of it was a nightmare.
Perhaps Kate didn't quite see the brilliance of it onscreen, or her view of it was colored by the experience.
Who knows.
Brilliant piece of work though.

'Alright. Alright. I stand accused of generosity' - Violet Venable.

[dreamer]

[dreamer]

Was stunned to see we have overlooked this for so long and no photos - would you guys help out?

Another two





Even though they did not use the so called soft light on Kate in SLS - I think she was a beauty - don't you guys?

[Shaun]

There's a thread on the IMDb Classic Film Board about whether Joan Crawford would have been better as Violet. (I'm sure she would have opted for the soft light.) I doubt she would have handled the long speeches as beautifully as Kate did.

[dreamer]

Read it - for once they were civilized.

As much as I enjoy films with Joan Crawford and am impressed with her work (seen until now) - don't believe Violet was a part for her. Some parts require more than beauty and acting skills - not sure if JC could have managed the long speeches either - she sure was beautiful but IMO the part acquired more than beauty - class (not social as with money, simply class by behavior).

Not out to hurt of offend anyone - but this is something that you get - that is IMO - in your upbringing and surroundings - the security, who you are. Nothing that one can really learn - you can achieve much but hardly ever the total or complete.

The question on imdb was if Kate was seductive enough. Which I found a strange question - because what is seductive? First it is in the eye of the beholder, second it must not have to do with being sexy like Monroe - but also in the way to move and behave. And I truly believe that Kate was just perfect and the right one to play Violet. I also think they forgot that the part requiered an older not sexy type but a settled woman who had had the "best" part and not to come.

It is most likely that the poster did compare Taylor with Kate but that is pure nonsense.

[dreamer]

Correction: Still don't like Whatever Happened to Baby Jane - this film is one of the strangest films ever seen and I don't get the camp thing around it. Tried to read me to it - but sadly no, it didn't help.

Am saddened that Bette, whom I find a wonderful actress to appear like baby Jane and Joan's part is too much humiliation. My stomach just turned. Don't misunderstand me - think they did a wonderful job - it just wasn't me.

Maybe the publishing and advertising around the film made it to what it has become with all its gossip and trashing.

[Kama]

dreamer said:

Still don't like Whatever Happened to Baby Jane

Well, I still didn't see it. But I love stories about Betty and Joan on the set. Have you read it? Really interesting.

About SLS... It's not my favorite movie of Kate (I don't think it's even in my top ten) but it made big impression on me. And there is one line I can't forget: "Truth is the bottom of a bottomless well".

[dreamer]

Yes, did read A Divine Feud, that is why I mentioned camp and gossip as I believe that much around this film is more gossip and publishing stunts than what it really was.

Some of the stuff mentioned what Bette and Joan should have said and done - just can't imagine that either of them would have done - some yes - but all - nah.

The most interesting on the DVD was their biograhies All About Bette and A Filmprofile: Joan Crawford.

Shaun, I really did give it a try - will give it a another try though - but not soon

[dreamer]

Back to Kate

[Hepburner]

I don't think Joan Crawford could pull it off.

She'd have been *too* melodramatic, wouldn't have handled the long speeches well at all, and...I don't know WHAT you all are saying - SHE IS UGLY.
It would be inconceivable for Joan Crawford to have procured the men like Violet did.

But yeah. It's Kate's role. Perfect performance. End of story.

[dreamer]

[Shaun]

I've only seen one picture of Kate on set with Liz Taylor and only one of her with Clift which has already been posted. Are there anymore?

[dreamer]

Sure - here you go ;D

Have lost track of what I have posted and what not - sorry