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The Rose Tattoo Photos

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Movie Info

Based on a play by Tennessee Williams, this classic drama centers on Serafina (Anna Magnani), 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 (Burt Lancaster), offers hope of a new love in her life.

Genre:

drama
Original Language:

English
Director:

Daniel Mann
Producer:

Hal B. Wallis
Writer:

Tennessee Williams
Release Date (Theaters):

Dec 12, 1955 wide
Release Date (Streaming):

Dec 31, 2016
Runtime:

1h 57m
Production Co:

Paramount Pictures
Sound Mix:

Mono

Cast & Crew

Anna Magnani
Serafina Delle Rose

Burt Lancaster
Alvaro Mangiacavallo

Marisa Pavan
Rosa Delle Rose

Ben Cooper
Jack Hunter

Virginia Grey
Estelle Hohengarten

Jo Van Fleet
Bessie

Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for The Rose Tattoo

All Critics (8) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (5) | Rotten (3)

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

March 30, 2020 | Full Review…

Derek Prouse
Sight and Sound
There is nothing to recommend in the film but the incomparable Magnani.

February 3, 2021 | Full Review…

Andrew Sarris
Film Culture
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.

December 23, 2020 | Full Review…

Robert Hatch
The Nation
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.

October 20, 2006 | Rating: B- | Full Review…

Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
Quote not available.

November 19, 2004 | Rating: 5/5

Robin Clifford
Reeling Reviews
Anna Magnani shines ... but the stagebound feel of the film, and especially some wretched overacting by Burt Lancaster, almost sink it.

October 31, 2004 | Rating: 2.5/5 | Full Review…

Michael W. Phillips, Jr.
Goatdog's Movies
Quote not available.

May 14, 2004 | Rating: 4/5

Carol Cling
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Quote not available.

September 19, 2003 | Rating: 5/5

Brandon Judell
PopcornQ

View All Critic Reviews (8)

Audience Reviews for The Rose Tattoo

Mar 03, 2014

Anna Magnani is fabulous in whatever she appears in. With Lancaster it is touch and go. Call this one a middling effort. the film is likely held back by society norms as to what should and should not appear in a film. Overdue perhaps for a reboot.

John B Super Reviewer
May 29, 2010

Tennessee Williams wrote this play for Magnani, so it's no surprise that she shines in this role. Rather than trademark decadence, this South focuses on the Sicilian immigrant experience. The script reads authentically and Magnani's performance lends further credibility to Sicilian views of family, gender roles and honor. Lancaster hasn't been in a goofier or over-acted role, yet his rendering is appropriately clownesque. For once, Williams brings happiness out of the darkness.

Stefanie C Super Reviewer
Jul 10, 2009

Good drama, almost easy going coming from Williams. Magnani gives it her all.

jay n Super Reviewer
Feb 04, 2009

Burt Lancaster may get top billing but the real star of this film is the incomparable Anna Magnani. What a performance!

Randy T Super Reviewer