Orphaned boy is raised by flamboyant aunt (Rosalind Russell) and we see him go from child to man. The whole movie is basically a hurricane performance by Russell, as she blows away everybody else on screen. The rest of the cast is fine (with one noticeable exception), but Russell is on a different planet. The exception to the fine cast is Peggy Cass as Agnes Gooch. I couldn't stand this character or the performance. It was so theatrical it felt out of place. One could argue Russell's performance was theatrical as well, but being a screen vet she knew how to strike the right balance between the two. I could picture Cass doing this shtick in the play and it would go over big. As a matter of fact, it did go over big as she won a Tony for it. But, to me, it does not translate to screen well at all. Regardless, it's a good movie. Fun, witty, and full of heart. I preferred the first half most. Once Gooch and Robin Hughes' character enter the picture it loses a little of its shine. I am sure my opinion on that is in the minority, but it's how I feel. See it for yourself and decide.
Review of Auntie Mame
