Sweet Bird Of Youth (1962) ***1/2

Though Richard Brooks' 1962 film adaptation of Tennessee Williams' 1959 play Sweet Bird Of Youth is a sanitized version of the story, it's still quite good. And though at times it feels a bit like Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (1958)-lite (also directed by Brooks and also starring Paul Newman), it definitely has some shocking moments. Plus, it's got all the Tennessee trademarks—saucy dialogue, sexy leads, a wealthy tyrant, melodrama, desperation, failed aspirations, and heat.

You can find my Tennessee Williams Feature Film Adaptations Ranked list here.