Glass Menagerie |  | Director: Paul Newman
Actors: Joanne Woodward, John Malkovich, Karen Allen, James Naughton
Studio: Universal Studios
Category: Video
This item is no longer available
Rating:  7 reviews
Sales Rank: 618
Format: NTSC
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: VHS Tape
Discs: 1
Running Time: 134 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.3 x 4.2 x 1.1
ISBN: 6301045734
UPC: 096898078733
EAN: 9786301045735
ASIN: 6301045734
Theatrical Release Date: 1987
Release Date: January 1, 1998
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| Editorial Reviews:
From Amazon.com
Paul Newman directed this poetic, sunlight- and memory-drenched film version of Tennessee Williams's classic memory play. The casting is surprisingly adept, considering that several of the performers would seem to be too old for their roles. John Malkovich plays Williams's stand-in, Tom Wingfield, a dreamer who lives with his domineering mother Amanda (a luminous Joanne Woodward) and his fragile, limping sister Laura (Karen Allen). Mom wants nothing more than to marry off shy-flower Laura and keeps bugging Tom to bring home a guy. So he corrals coworker James Naughton for an evening--and Amanda treats it as though Naughton's signed up for the nuptial short-course. Woodward is alternately touching and harridan-like as this smothering mother who means well, while Malkovich is perfect as the would-be writer longing to break free. And Allen brings surprising strength to the role of Laura. --Marshall Fine
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| Customer Reviews:
 Funny and Passionate December 2, 2001
R. Michael
Although I thought that "The Glass Menagerie" was an exceptional play, I think that the movie version is even better. In my opinion, it is rare when justice can be done to a written work when it is transformed into a movie. So many wonderful classics tend to get botched up by directors that alter the text of the original work and add or delete scenes along the way. Paul Newman, however, has kept "The Glass Menagerie" exactly the way it was written, and I think that is the primary reason why the movie turned out so good. Another reason might be that the cast of this movie seems perfectly fit to fill the roles that Tennessee Williams created. Joanne Woodward is absolutely hilarious as Amanda Wingfield. Not only does she perfectly fit the role of overzealous mother, but she also makes a delightful comedienne as well. I watched the movie right after reading the play, and even though I knew what Amanda was going to say next, I burst out laughing nonetheless. The sheer humor in Woodward's performance is to be commended. John Malkovich also seems cut out for the role of Tom Wingfield. Tom is somewhat of a mystic that enjoys philosophical media such as poetry; the thoughtful expression on Malkovich's face conveys this aura perfectly. The best parts of Malkovich's performance often come when he isn't saying anything at all. The incredulous glances that he gives Amanda every so often add dynamic to the acting and articulate the relationship between Tom and Amanda even better than words can express. Karen Allen's role as Laura Wingfield emphasizes the things about Laura's character that make her so important. In the movie, Allen seems even shyer than Laura is in the script, but this only enhances the meaning of the play. Finally, James Naughton's performance as Jim O'Connor is so romantic that the viewer can't help falling in love right along with Laura. His charm seems to be the "icing on the cake" for the climax of the outstanding script and extraordinary acting. "The Glass Menagerie" movie definitely has a lot of things going for it: Tennessee Williams as the playwright, Paul Newman as the director, and a fantastic set of actors that make the entire production better than even Williams could have imagined. I definitely recommend the movie version of "The Glass Menagerie," especially if you don't have time to read it. It is one of the most enjoyable movies that I have had the pleasure of watching.
11th grade assignment September 19, 2000
I recently graduated just this year, and the year before last, when I was a junior in high school, my English 11 teacher, Mrs. Picklesimer (ha ha laugh if you wish) showed us this video, after us reading the story in our literature books, of course. I loved the movie so much, I asked her to allow me to borrow it and she did, but she had to keep reminding me to bring it back, because I loved it so much! So, thank you, Mrs. Picklesimer (now Ms. White) for showing us this movie.
 Fascinating March 26, 2000
Shadowfire (College Park, MD)
A near-perfect film version of a downright gloomy play, "The Glass Menagerie" successfully captures the atmosphere of futility and hopelessness that permeated the play and made it such a success. The choice of actors is quite good, and I am thankful that the complete plot was preserved, rather than attempting to alter it in favor of a more active storyline. Eccentric, yes, depressing, yes, effective - quite so.
The Glass Menagerie February 26, 2000
This atmospheric, claustrophobic version captures the essence of the play. Woodward was especially good as the talkative, controlling mom -- like an annoying, buzzing mosquitoe. Malkovich was overly tight in the part, tightly wound, wounded and a bit bitchy. I found his mannerism a bit eccentric and overwrought. Generally, a good flick of a great play.
Film capturing Theater December 17, 1999
chiang fame (NYC)
In an age of modern technology, it is still pleasant to see some aspects of technology have not completely distanted itself. The performance given by John Malkovich was amazing on all levels. He made you believe it was Tom; instead of playing Tom; with whom is Tennessee Williams? Laura Wingfield and Karen Allen, as mother and daughter, offer a bond that only talented actors could pull off. The hardest part of anything is to make it easy and simple; which throughout the film all three did. The film captures a sense of St. Louis during the harsh and bleak times of Middle America. After watching the film, it leaves you a bitter taste of hope.
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