Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Radio review – Best Plays – “The Rose Tattoo” (1953) ***

A middle aged woman can’t stop thinking about sex – the plot of many a Tennessee Williams play. She’s played here by Maureen Stapleton, in the role which made her name on Broadway, even if it was originally written for Anna Mangnani. She’s a widow determined to turn her back on sex after her husband dies and that her daughter should join her – despite the fact a young sailor is panting around her, and an Italian is panting around him. Oh and the reveal that hubby rooted around on her. Eli Wallach is the guy who turns Stapleton back on to sex (the same role he played on Broadway). Because at the end of the day no one can live without it, huh, Tennessee? Not one of the very best TW but still enjoyable and it's important that these two performances were captured.

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