Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Seen it?1958 | 108 min | Drama
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (97% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences rate it highly (7.6 out of 10), it drew serious awards attention and it made about 6 times its budget. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 48 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1958: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
An alcoholic ex-football player drinks his days away, having failed to come to terms with his sexuality and his real feelings for his football buddy who died after an ambiguous accident. His wife is crucified by her desperation to make him desire her: but he resists the affections of his wife. His reunion with his father—who is dying of cancer—jogs a host of memories and revelations for both father and son.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 84 on Metacritic
- AudiencesStrong
7.6 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Nominated for 6 Oscars, 2 Golden Globes and 3 BAFTAs.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$18 million worldwide on a $3 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 190K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Manchester by the Sea Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
A Streetcar Named Desire Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
It's a Wonderful Life Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Interiors
Saturday SpecialAnother drama that's easy to miss.
The Hours Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Richard Brooks
- Elizabeth TaylorMaggie Pollitt
- Paul NewmanBrick Pollitt
- Burl IvesHarvey 'Big Daddy' Pollitt
- Judith AndersonIda 'Big Mama' Pollitt
- Jack CarsonGooper Pollitt
- Madeleine SherwoodMae Pollitt
- Vaughn TaylorDeacon Davis
- Larry GatesDr. Baugh
- Brian CorcoranBoy (uncredited)
- Zelda CleaverSookey (uncredited)