The Rose Tattoo

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The Rose Tattoo

1955

1h 57m

Drama

Comedy

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

67%

Tomatometer

9 Reviews

73%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Based on a play by Tennessee Williams, this classic drama centers on Serafina, a widowed Sicilian woman living in the American South who is left devastated by the death of her husband. Grief turns her into a recluse; however, she is drawn back into the world when she learns of her late husband's infidelities. Meanwhile, the arrival of a new lodger, handsome truck driver Alvaro, offers hope of a new love in her life.

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Derek Prouse

Sight & Sound

03/30/2020

Neither in writing or performance is [Burt Lancaster's] character anything more than a static prototype.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

08/10/2024

3/4

Anna Magnani earned an Oscar for her earthy, unbridled performance.

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Andrew Sarris

Film Culture

02/03/2021

There is nothing to recommend in the film but the incomparable Magnani.

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Robert Hatch

The Nation

12/23/2020

It is a rousing spectacle -- and [Anna Magnani] is the best possible antidote -- to the antiseptic, nylon-packaged blandishments that symbolize sex on | the billboards.

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

10/20/2006

B-

To conform to the Code, Daniel Mann's version scaled down the raw sexuality in Tennessee Williams' play. In the original work, it was raw passion, but in the film desire is approved only if it leads to marriage.

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Robin Clifford

Reeling Reviews

11/19/2004

5/5

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Scott R

@ScottR Mar 22

NYT 1000 films. Sadly despite Magani’s performance, Lancaster dragged it down. Additionally, the tragedy of Tennessee Williams was a bit cliche despite it being uniquely set in the south in a fictional Italian American town. It did take on some important cultural elements that resonated of juvenile coming of age freedoms vs parental protections. Class was another issue addressed, not only American, but Italian landowners vs peasants. The whole male silk shirt aspect was also interesting. The daughter was beautiful. Saw on box.

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Isaiah Y

@zayman2 Feb 15

Probably Anna Magnani's greatest performance, even if Lancaster wasn't at his best

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Stephen C

@bob25009 06/06/2025

Success in 1 hour and 57 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy 70th anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Daniel P

@RT33370114 08/09/2024

Quite the slow start. The movie needs a while to find its dramatic balance, but once it does Anna Magnani delivers on the arc of her character. The script, initially a play, is a Magnani vehicle, but then her talent warrants the attention.

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Emilio T

@MilloTPue 01/15/2022

Far from the best version of Tennessee Williams, who really shines here in Anna Magnani in her role.

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william d

@acsdoug 09/03/2020

Not much here really. It;s not a bad movie, it's just that there are better films to invest two hours in.

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Daniel Mann

Director

Anna Magnani

Serafina Delle Rose

Burt Lancaster

Alvaro Mangiacavallo

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Synopsis

Based on a play by Tennessee Williams, this classic drama centers on Serafina, a widowed Sicilian woman living in the American South who is left devastated by the death of her husband. Grief turns her into a recluse; however, she is drawn back into the world when she learns of her late husband's infidelities. Meanwhile, the arrival of a new lodger, handsome truck driver Alvaro, offers hope of a new love in her life.

Director: Daniel Mann
Producer: Hal B. Wallis
Screenwriter: Tennessee Williams, Hal Kanter, Tennessee Williams
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 12, 1955, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 15, 2011
Runtime: 1h 57m
Sound Mix: Mono