The Auntie Mame Comparison pt.1

Originally published on social media on November 16th, 2022

Today seemed like the perfect day to do my Auntie Mame comparison for a few reasons 1). I have the time/motivation (I’m under the weather) 2). Tomorrow is what I like to think of as the Auntie Mame tradition (will explain).

Whenever people ask me about my favorite movies, I always say that one of them is “Mame” or “Auntie Mame”. They are basically the same film with a few changes: the casting, set design, and musical numbers (or lack of). Both films are incredible and I could never choose which one I prefer between them because are equally hilarious, endearing, and never fail to make me happy cry. Choosing between them would be a sin. I always watch one or both of these films each year because I always need at least one Auntie Mame pick me up to sustain me throughout the year.

One of my favorite quotes from the films is this. I use or think of each rephrased quote depending on my mood. Observe the differences:
- “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!” ~ Auntie Mame
- “Life is a Banquet and most sons of bitches are starving to death!” ~ Mame

Earlier I mentioned the Auntie Mame tradition. Here it is:

One of the most famous songs from the musical version of this story (originally performed by Angela Lansbury on Broadway) is “We Need A Little Christmas”. Different versions of the song have given Patrick (or whatever part of the chorus ) a different timeline to the lyric: “but Auntie Mame it’s one week til Thanksgiving day now”. Now I know the truth in my heart that it is one week til thanksgiving day, but I have to acknowledge that some versions give three or so weeks before or after. Either way, the spirit of the song talks about needing a little Christmas in order to make tough situations better or simply just because you NEED it. Thus, the last couple years I’ve tried to start decorating for Christmas a week before Thanksgiving and alternate which version of the film I watch that day. The Christmas scene in each film are wonderful in every way, and you will love them and be moved by both.

Since tomorrow is a week until Thanksgiving, you know which films I recommend. Keep your eye out for pt. 2 of this comparison!