The Glass Menagerie
1987
Action / Drama

The Glass Menagerie
1987
Action / Drama
Plot summary
An aging Southern Belle makes life horrible for her ambitious son and crippled daughter because of her dreams of what life should be.
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEBMovie Reviews
Tom, Laura and their mother Amanda live in a small Saint Louis apartment during the 1930's. The three struggle to find balance in their lives.
An astonishing performance by Karen Allen
Stagey but handsome version of the Williams classic directed by Paul Newman. Fluid camera-work and beautiful lighting, an evocative score, and nice (if leisurely) pacing help immensely. The high school classes I showed this to didn't respond to Woodward's Amanda, though she certainly nails the comedy of the piece; however, it's a very animated performance, with flutey vocal mannerisms that can grate on one. (I've not seen the Hepburn performance, but she often gets criticized for the same thing; however, I'd love to see her tackle the dramatic stuff.) James Naughton is solid, if a bit stolid, as the gentleman caller. Malkovich etches a remarkable portrayal of Tom--defiantly unafraid of the character's possible gay subtext--that grows in poignancy to a heartbreaking final monologue. But it's Karen Allen's Laura that is the heart of this piece--if you've only seen her in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" or "Scrooged," you'll be astounded at her ability to cut straight to your heart with just her eyes. She's truly unforgettable.