Agree with Mr. Portantiere.
The black and white of this GLASS MENAGERIE is evocative of the past (through a glass darkly), and the casting of the young, querulous, kind Sam Waterston is perfection. Michael Moriarty gives a performance that everyone at the time, justifiably, raved about (what an actor he was!), the Laura (Joanna Miles) is good but the production isn’t tilted to focus on her. Instead, Katherine Hepburn’s multi-faceted ferocity to save and protect her children is the centerpiece. Yankee though she may be, I can’t imagine anyone surpassing the defiant optimism and consequent heartbreak Miss Hepburn brings to this role, as well as the remembered dazzle of her youthful charisma as a belle. Probably helped Hepburn (both here and with her triumph in the “Long Day’s Journey” film) that she herself had the experience of having been a much-desired beauty.
Anyway, it’s a great version. |
