Drama,Mystery,Thriller
United States of America
"Suddenly, Last Summer" is a 1959 American Southern Gothic mystery-drama film directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and starring Elizabeth Taylor, Katharine Hepburn, and Montgomery Clift. It is based on the play of the same title by Tennessee Williams.
The story follows wealthy widow Violet Venable (Hepburn) who wants to silence her niece Catherine Holly (Taylor) after her son Sebastian dies while on vacation with her. Catherine claims she saw something terrible happen to Sebastian but cannot remember what it was. Mrs. Venable believes that Catherine is lying and wants her to undergo a lobotomy to erase her memory.
Dr. Cukrowicz (Clift), a young surgeon, is brought in to evaluate Catherine and to perform the lobotomy if necessary. Catherine tells Dr. Cukrowicz about Sebastian and his fascination with young boys. She reveals that Sebastian was involved in a relationship with a young artist named Sebastian Hunsacker, who was brutally killed by local boys.
As Catherine continues to reveal the truth about Sebastian's life, Mrs. Venable becomes increasingly desperate to silence her. The tension builds as the truth about what happened to Sebastian is finally revealed.
The film was controversial at the time of its release due to its subject matter, particularly the suggestion of homosexuality. However, it has since become recognized as a classic of American film and a groundbreaking work for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes.
