The Auntie Mame Comparison pt.2

Originally published on social media on November 16th, 2022

Set design, costumes, and musicality are important differing factors, but the one that deserves the most discussion is casting.

- Mame: As seen by the film posters, Mame has been played by Rosalind Russell and Lucille Ball on the big screen. The personas of each actress contribute something unique to Mame. Rosalind Russell gives Mame that quick talking, classy, and comedic edge. Lucille Ball embraces a different style of comedy than Russell and gives Mame a bubblier and brighter personality. Both are wonderful, and you can pick the Mame you prefer depending on your mood. One is not better than the other.

- Young Patrick: Both young Patrick’s are equally sweet and perfect. Kirby Fulong’s Patrick is younger and is pure sugar. He just has those love love eyes and kind and gentle demeanor that give him the perfect chemistry with Lucille Ball. Jan Handzlik is a couple years older as Patrick, but he has a great personality and sense of humor, and class demeanor that make him lovable and pair well with Rosalind Russell.

- Older Patrick: There is no contest here. Roger Smith’s older Patrick in the Russell version is WAY BETTER Bruce Davison in the Ball version. He has that class and kindness and humor that the childhood version have, but with intelligence. Davison’s Patrick just seems to be less intelligent and a little less kind. In general, he seems more out to lunch if you know what I mean.

- Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside: No competition exists here either: Robert Preston is by far the best romantic match for either Mame, but especially Ball who he is paired with. He is sweet, loving, and believable as Beauregard. Plus, he was given more screen time and thus opportunity for character development. It’s not entirely Forrest Tucker’s fault that he has the lesser Beauregard: he had minimal time on screen and was given a cheesy death scene. Although, he does give the impression that he’s trying to act really well and it feels unnatural. Preston brings himself to the role, and therefore makes his Beauregard more natural.

That’s all I’ve got folks. Enjoy these films and tell me what you think in the comments below!