Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Given the Hays Code, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof has toned down an important part from the original play, which is the revelation of what Skipper truly meant to Brick. And given its theater origins, it makes sense that there’s still a sense of staginess as it takes place mostly in one building. However, the film adaptation still works because of its performances. The ensemble is equally great. It helps that every role has solid characterization, but the cast meets that writing by delivering strong performances of these strong personalities. It’s because of these performances that Cat on a Hot Tin Roof managed to stay a classic, keeping the power of the original work even with all the changes.

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.