Toys in the Attic (1963)

Lillian Hellman wrote some amazingly raw films about screwed up Southern families. She was, in many ways, like a female version of Tennessee Williams--with stories having many of the same themes and even some of the stories set in the same locales--such as Louisiana. Several of her plays went on to become movie classics--the most famous of which was Bette Davis' splendid "Little Foxes". Others, such as "Toys in the Attic" didn't exactly become classics--but they are worth seeing. My advice with this movie, however, is that you force yourself to keep watching. The first portion isn't particularly distinguished and the craziness all begins later in the movie.The story begins with Julian (Dean Martin) working on some business deal. When he and his wife, Lily (Yvette Mimieux) arrive back to see their families in Louisiana, things sound great. Julian has announced that one of his deals went through and he is now rich. He lavishes gifts on his two spinster sisters (Geraldine Page and Wendy Hiller). During this phase of the film, Page's character is REALLY, REALLY annoying. She talks non-stop and the tone of her voice could incite murder!! My advice is to grit your teeth and stick with it--all sorts of nasty craziness is to follow! What? Well, see the film for yourself.The film is NOT perfect--and it's obvious when you see an Italian-American (Martin) playing the brother. The casting just didn't make much sense, though his acting was just fine in the film. As I mentioned above, Page's acting also seemed to be a bit too much at times. But, the story is golden if you keep watching. Don't believe me--see it for yourself! It gets pretty icky!

When Lillian Hellman wrote this play, I doubt she had Dean Martin in mind for the male lead when it hit the screen. In truth, he isn't bad. He may have been cast to provide some box office. If he did, that's good. He contributes nothing else, however.Similarly, the beautiful Yvette Mimieux is wildly miscast as his insecure wife.Thankfully, much of the other actors are at home in this film and this sort of film. They give good performances.Geraldine Page is in fine form as one of Martin's two spinster sisters. It isn't a subtle performance but it works very well. Wendy Hiller, as the other sister, does give a subtle performance. She is not authentically Southern; but for a good actor that makes no difference. (Think, for starters, Vivian Leigh in "GWTW.") Gene Tierney is also on-hand. Though she'd had a troubled life, she'd matured well. She was never a great actress but she had screen presence and she is right for her part here.I was familiar with the play and wondered if the movie would include its most controversial aspect. (Can't give it away.) To my surprise, it does; and it's very effective.Please note: I have nothing against Dean Martin. He is fun in "Kiss Me Stupid." But he was essentially a singer and comic performer. This movie contains no songs and is anything but comic. Had his and Mimieux's parts been cast more according to the script, the movie could indeed have been extremely, rather than occasionally, powerful.

Dean Martin, (Julian Berniers) gave an outstanding performance in this role with a very dramatic role as a brother who had two sisters who both loved him very much. However, Julian was a shady character who was always a constant failure in whatever he did and got himself involved with all kinds of women who could provide him with money. Every time he got in trouble Julian ran home to his two sisters who always managed to lend him money. Finally, Julian comes home and manages to have plenty of money, like $150,000 dollars and buys everyone lots of clothes and even trips to Europe and a new refrigerator for their home. Dean Martin and Geralldin Page, (Carrie Berniers) both gave an outstanding performance which made this a great film to watch and enjoy.

Great Picture! Dean gives a great performance, along with the other actors. Also I think that the story was told very well and that the way the movie was put together was superb. This is definitely a favorite of mine. This movie gets a 10 from me!