Who Played Auntie Mame In The Movie?

The original Auntie Mame on Broadway was Angela Lansbury. She starred in the Tony Award-winning production that opened in 1966. The musical was adapted from the 1955 novel by Patrick Dennis and directed by Gene Saks with choreography by Onna White.

Angela Lansbury was a perfect choice for the role of Auntie Mame. She had the charisma, the energy, and the comedic timing to bring the character to life. Lansbury’s performance was so popular that she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, and the show ran for over 1,500 performances.

The show was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to launch Lansbury’s career to new heights. She became a Broadway legend, and she is still considered one of the greatest actresses of all time. It was a role that perfectly suited her talents and made her a star. In fact, she had already earned a reputation as a talented performer in film and television before stepping onto the Broadway stage.

The role of Auntie Mame was a challenging one. It required the actress to be both funny and touching, and to play a character who was larger than life. Lansbury was able to capture all of these aspects of the character, and she created a performance that was both memorable and moving.

The original production of Auntie Mame is considered to be a classic of Broadway theatre. It is still performed today, and it continues to delight audiences around the world.

Though Tanner claimed that Auntie Mame was a fictional character, his aunt, the real-life Greenwich Village eccentric Marion Tanner, (March 6, 1891 — October 30, 1985) is generally acknowledged to be the inspiration. The similarities between Marion’s life and her relationship with her nephew are striking.

Marion Tanner was a fascinating woman who led a life as colorful and unconventional as her fictional counterpart. Born into a wealthy family, she was raised in a world of privilege and sophistication. However, Marion rejected the traditional path of her peers, choosing instead to forge her own way. She was an artist, a writer, and a socialite, and her bohemian lifestyle made her a well-known figure in Greenwich Village.

Marion’s relationship with her nephew, Patrick, was deeply affectionate and unconventional. She was a strong and independent woman who raised him with love and a sense of adventure. Marion instilled in Patrick a love for the arts and a passion for life, values that would later be reflected in his own writing.

Although Tanner insisted that Auntie Mame was a fictional creation, he acknowledged that his aunt was his inspiration. He even admitted that some of the character’s more outrageous antics were based on real-life incidents involving Marion. In the end, it is impossible to separate the fictional Auntie Mame from the real-life Marion Tanner. Marion was a unique and inspiring woman who lived a full and colorful life. Her legacy lives on not only in her nephew’s writings, but also in the hearts of the many who were touched by her spirit.

Rosalind Russell was the original Mame on Broadway. She was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance.

The play ran for over two years, from October 1956 to June 1958. Russell’s performance was widely acclaimed, and she is considered by many to be the definitive Mame.

The character of Mame was so iconic that when the play was adapted into a movie in 1966, the role was offered to several actresses before it was finally given to Lucille Ball. However, Ball was a controversial choice, and some fans felt that Russell should have reprised her role for the film. Ultimately, though, Ball’s performance was a success, and the movie became a classic.

But it was Russell who first brought Mame to life on stage. Her performance was so memorable that it’s still talked about today. So, the next time you see the play or the movie, remember that Rosalind Russell was the first to bring Mame to life. She made the character her own, and her performance is still considered to be the gold standard.

There are two main versions of Auntie Mame: the non-musical version and the musical version. The non-musical version is simply called *Auntie Mame*, while the musical version is called *Mame*. Both shows had Broadway runs, and *Auntie Mame* starred the legendary Rosalind Russell. The non-musical version of *Auntie Mame* was later adapted into a popular film, starring Rosalind Russell, which captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

You might be wondering how the two versions of *Auntie Mame* differ. Both are based on the same source material: the novel *Auntie Mame* by Patrick Dennis. But the musical *Mame* takes some creative liberties, expanding the story and adding several original songs. The musical version features a more upbeat and flamboyant tone than the original *Auntie Mame*, which is perhaps why the musical became a Broadway sensation.

The musical version of *Mame* premiered on Broadway in 1966, and it was a huge success. It ran for over 1,500 performances and won a Tony Award for Best Musical. The musical version is widely regarded as one of the most successful musicals of all time.

The *Auntie Mame* story has been adapted for the stage and screen in multiple ways, with each iteration bringing its own unique perspective to the charming and eccentric Auntie Mame.

Mame Dennis, a spirited and independent woman of the 1920s, is left to care for her nephew Patrick after his wealthy father dies. Patrick is played by two different actors in the movie, Jan Handzlik as a young boy and Roger Smith as a teenager.

Jan Handzlik was just a toddler when he was chosen to play the role of young Patrick in the movie. This was his first movie role. He was born in 1955, so he was just a year old when the movie was released. He did not pursue acting as a career. Handzlik is a private individual who shuns the limelight.

Roger Smith was born in 1932. He was 25 years old when he played Patrick in the movie. Smith was already an established actor at this time, having had roles in television and theatre. He went on to a long and successful acting career. He is best known for his role as a detective on the popular television show, “77 Sunset Strip”. Smith passed away in 2017.

The book, “Auntie Mame,” was a huge success. While Dennis claimed it was entirely fictional, many believed the character of Auntie Mame was inspired by his own aunt, Marion Tanner. Marion was a vibrant and unconventional woman who lived in Greenwich Village, known for her quick wit and unique personality.

While Dennis never explicitly confirmed that Auntie Mame was based on his aunt, the similarities are striking. Both women were known for their unconventional lifestyles and their love of the arts. Marion, like Auntie Mame, was a free spirit who embraced life with enthusiasm. She was known for her witty remarks and her unconventional approach to life, which made her a popular figure in Greenwich Village.

However, it’s important to remember that Auntie Mame is a fictional character, and while she may share some similarities with Marion Tanner, she is ultimately a product of Dennis’s imagination. Dennis, being a skilled writer, likely drew inspiration from many sources to create the beloved character of Auntie Mame.

Ultimately, whether or not Auntie Mame is directly based on Marion Tanner, the character embodies the spirit of a free-spirited and unconventional woman, making her a relatable and endearing figure for many readers.

The story begins with the stock market crash in 1929, when Patrick is 10 years old. The time line of the story is impossible, but let’s look at the events of the play and the novel from the point of view of Patrick’s age.

At the beginning of the play, Patrick is a young boy who has just lost his parents in the crash and is being raised by his wealthy aunt, Mame Dennis. She’s an eccentric and unconventional woman, but she loves Patrick and tries her best to give him a good life.

As the play progresses, Patrick grows older and goes through several important milestones, including going to boarding school, discovering his passion for acting, and falling in love. Even though the time line of the play isn’t entirely realistic, it does a good job of capturing the emotional journey of a young boy growing up in a tumultuous time. We see Patrick’s sense of loss and loneliness after his parents’ deaths, but also his resilience and his ability to find joy in life.

I hope this information is helpful and that it sheds some light on the age of Patrick in Auntie Mame.

“Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade” is a 1955 novel by American author Patrick Dennis. It’s the story of a young boy, Patrick, who is raised by his eccentric aunt, Mame Dennis, after his father dies.

The book was a huge success and became a beloved classic. It’s a hilarious and heartwarming tale about a boy’s unconventional upbringing, full of colorful characters and outrageous situations. The book quickly gained popularity and was adapted into a Broadway play in 1956, then into the iconic 1958 film starring Rosalind Russell. The novel’s popularity has endured over the decades, and it continues to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. It’s a testament to the power of a good story and the enduring appeal of eccentric characters.

The novel was based on Dennis’s own aunt, a wealthy and flamboyant socialite who lived a life of privilege and extravagance. Dennis drew on his experiences growing up with his aunt, blending real-life anecdotes with his own imagination to create the unforgettable character of Mame Dennis. The book is a witty and affectionate portrait of a woman who was both unconventional and deeply loving. Although Dennis intended the book as a humorous satire of the American upper class, it quickly became something more: a timeless tale about family, love, and the importance of finding your own path in life.

Terry Kelman played Michael Dennis in the 1958 film Auntie Mame. He was a young actor who brought a charming and endearing quality to the role.

Now, you might be wondering: who is Terry Kelman? Well, he was a child actor who had a few notable roles in the 1950s and 1960s. While Auntie Mame is likely his most well-known film, he appeared in other movies like The Ten Commandments (1956) and The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker (1959). He even had a small role in the original The Twilight Zone television series.

While Kelman wasn’t a prolific actor like some of his peers, he had a natural presence on screen that made him memorable to audiences. He continued acting throughout the 1970s, but eventually stepped away from the spotlight.

It’s interesting to note that Kelman’s performance in Auntie Mame captured the attention of audiences, particularly for his scenes with Rosalind Russell, who played the iconic Auntie Mame. They shared a wonderful on-screen chemistry that made their interactions both entertaining and heartwarming. You can see it for yourself by watching the movie!

Auntie Mame is a delightful 1958 film that tells the story of a free-spirited woman named Mame Dennis. You might wonder if this charming character is based on a real person. While the film is based on a book and play, it’s important to know that Auntie Mame is a fictional character.

The story was originally a novel written in 1955 by Edward Everett Tanner III, who used the pen name Patrick Dennis. The novel was then adapted into a successful Broadway play in 1956. The play, written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee, was a huge hit, and it captured the hearts of audiences. This led to the production of the film version, which starred the talented Rosalind Russell and was directed by Morton DaCosta.

While Auntie Mame is not based on a real person, it’s clear that Dennis drew inspiration from various sources for the character. He was known for his witty and observant writing style, and he often used real-life experiences and personalities as inspiration for his work. Some have speculated that Dennis might have been inspired by his own eccentric aunt, or perhaps by other flamboyant personalities he encountered in his life. The book and play, and ultimately the film, became popular because they offered a humorous and heartwarming portrayal of a woman who lived life on her own terms, embracing individuality and embracing life’s joys.

Auntie Mame is a beloved character from the 1955 novel by Patrick Dennis, and the subsequent 1958 film starring Rosalind Russell. The story follows Mame Dennis, a free-spirited and independent woman of the 1920s, who is tasked with raising her orphaned nephew Patrick after his wealthy father passes away. Patrick, played by Jan Handzlik as a child and later by Roger Smith, is initially apprehensive about living with his eccentric aunt. He is used to the traditional life of wealth and privilege that his father provided. However, Mame, with her unconventional approach to life, quickly charms Patrick with her infectious enthusiasm and adventurous spirit.

Mame throws herself into the role of a devoted aunt, taking Patrick on exciting adventures and introducing him to a world of art, culture, and social activism. She challenges conventional norms, teaching Patrick the importance of embracing life to the fullest and embracing individuality. Patrick, in turn, learns valuable lessons about love, loss, and the importance of family.

However, Mame’s unconventional lifestyle doesn’t sit well with Mr. Babcock, the executor of Patrick’s father’s estate. Mr. Babcock, played by Fred Clark, is a traditionalist who believes that Mame is unfit to raise Patrick, given her unorthodox lifestyle. He attempts to take custody of Patrick, but Mame fights back with her wit and resilience.

This clash between Mame’s free-spirited nature and Mr. Babcock’s strict traditionalism forms the core of the story. Mame, with her bold and daring personality, is a delightful contrast to the uptight and conservative world of Mr. Babcock. Her constant battles against his authority provide some of the film’s most entertaining moments.

The film, a musical adaptation of the novel, captures the spirit of Mame perfectly. Rosalind Russell embodies the character’s wit, charm, and unwavering optimism. Through Mame, we are reminded of the importance of living life on our own terms, embracing our individuality, and never losing sight of what truly matters.

You’re in luck! Auntie Mame was released on Blu-ray on December 5, 2017. This release included an all-new HD remaster of the film and a separate audio-only track featuring music from the film.

This Blu-ray release was a welcome addition for fans of the classic film. The HD remaster brought the vibrant colors and detailed costumes of the film to life in a way that was previously impossible on older formats. The audio-only track is a great way to enjoy the film’s iconic music on its own, making it a perfect choice for listening while working or relaxing.

If you’re a fan of Auntie Mame and haven’t seen it in a while, or you’ve never had the chance to experience this delightful film, then this Blu-ray release is a must-have. The stunning visuals and immersive audio make it the best way to enjoy this classic film.

Mame Dennis, a free-spirited woman of the 1920s, inherits her nephew Patrick after his wealthy father dies. The executor of the estate, Beauregard Jackson tries to force Mame to send Patrick to boarding school because he disapproves of her lifestyle. This leads to conflict.

Mame is a vibrant woman with a zest for life, an unconventional attitude toward raising children, and a bohemian lifestyle that involves frequent parties. She embraces her freedom and independence, believing that children should be raised with love, laughter, and a sense of adventure. Her carefree spirit and unconventional approach to parenting create a delightful clash with the traditional views of the time. She believes that life is meant to be enjoyed and that children should be allowed to express themselves freely.

Mame Dennis is a popular character from the novel “Auntie Mame” by Patrick Dennis and later became a successful Broadway play and then a beloved movie starring Rosalind Russell. The story revolves around Mame’s journey as she navigates the challenges of raising her nephew Patrick. Her unwavering love for him, combined with her quirky personality and unorthodox parenting methods, create a memorable and heartwarming story.

Auntie Mame (1958) – Full Cast & Crew – IMDb

Auntie Mame (1958) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. IMDb

Auntie Mame (1958) – IMDb

Auntie Mame: Directed by Morton DaCosta. With Rosalind Russell, Forrest Tucker, Coral Browne, Fred Clark. An orphan goes to live with IMDb

Auntie Mame (1958) – Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)

Screenplay. Mame Dennis, a progressive and independent woman of the 1920s, is left to care for her nephew Patrick after his wealthy father dies. Conflict ensues when the The Movie Database (TMDB)

Auntie Mame (1958) – Turner Classic Movies

Based on the novel Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis (New York, 1955) and the play Auntie Mame by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, produced by Robert Fryer and Turner Classic Movies

Auntie Mame | Rotten Tomatoes

Mame Dennis (Rosalind Russell), a progressive and independent woman of the 1920s, is left to care for her nephew Patrick (Jan Handzlik/Roger Smith) after his wealthy father dies. Mr. Babcock… Rotten Tomatoes

Auntie Mame (1958) Cast and Crew | Moviefone

Meet the talented cast and crew behind ‘Auntie Mame’ on Moviefone. Explore detailed bios, filmographies, and the creative team’s insights. Moviefone

Auntie Mame (1958) — The Movie Database (TMDB)

Mame Dennis, a progressive and independent woman of the 1920s, is left to care for her nephew Patrick after his wealthy father dies. Conflict ensues when the executor of the father’s estate objects to the aunt’s lifestyle The Movie Database (TMDB)

Auntie Mame – Wikipedia

Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade is a 1955 novel by American author Patrick Dennis chronicling the madcap adventures of a boy, Patrick, growing up as the ward of his Aunt Wikipedia

Auntie Mame (1958) – Plot – IMDb

An orphan goes to live with his free-spirited aunt. Conflict ensues when the executor of his father’s estate objects to the aunt’s lifestyle. Mame is an unconventional individualist IMDb