Monday Night Classics: Sweet Bird of Youth

March 25, 2019 - 6:30 pm

Few figures loom larger in Key West’s literary history than Tennessee Williams — and we are proud to celebrate the legendary author and playwright throughout March with a series of films based on his work.

1962’s “Sweet Bird of Youth” reunites playwright Williams with “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” star Paul Newman, who plays Chance Wayne, an aspiring movie actor brimming with sexual bravado and self-confidence. He meets a fading movie queen named Alexandra Del Lago (Geraldine Page), whose recent screen failures are alleviated by sex, drugs and booze. She agrees to help the young actor by bringing him to Hollywood to meet “all the right people.” Unfortunately, a stopover in Chance’s hometown turns into an ugly homecoming when local politician Boss Finley (Ed Begley) arranges a “welcome” for the actor.

Despite being somewhat toned down from the stage version, “Sweet Bird Of Youth” remains a gripping, suspenseful film.