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Life is a Banquet!

by habituallychic

11 . 20 . 07

In honor of the upcoming holiday, I thought it might be appropriate to recommend a movie that will make us all feel better about our own crazy families, Auntie Mame, based on the book by Patrick Dennis. The most famous tag line of the movie comes from Mame Dennis herself, “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!” And she certainly lives life to the fullest!

One of the best parts of the movie and the reason so many creative people love it is the interiors! George James Hopkins was nominated for an Oscar for his set decoration and if you’ve ever seen the movie, you’ll know why. They are integral to the story and sometimes, completely over the top. Two weeks after her nephew Patrick Dennis comes to live with her, Mame has redecorated. Out goes the over the top Chinoiserie and in comes the pale blue walls and modern art.

Mame’s outfits and hairstyles are also ever changing and worth watching for. They too become an extra character in the movie!

The most hilarious decoration comes courtesy of her decorator Yule Oolu and I won’t ruin it for you but it’s very modern. I wish there were more photos available online since these are only a small glimpse into the chicest movie. I will warn you that Rosalind Russell’s voice can be at times a little grating and it is almost two and a half hours long but it you love great design, this movie is for you. It will also make you realize how normal your family really is! Happy Holidays!

17 Comments
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  1. Hallie November 20, 2007 | 7:58 pm

    I adore this movie! One of my all time favorites, not to be missed!

  2. Michael Wesley November 20, 2007 | 8:38 pm

    I just love this movie. I wish I had a Auntie Mame

  3. Habitually Chic November 20, 2007 | 8:41 pm

    Hallie, it’s one of my favorites too! I love watching it over the holidays!

  4. Habitually Chic November 20, 2007 | 8:43 pm

    Michael, my grandmother was a bit eccentric but nothing like Mame. I love the sort of moral at the end about loving your family no matter if they are actually related or how crazy you think they are! It’s the best!

  5. Anonymous November 20, 2007 | 9:25 pm

    It’s a wanna-be movie!
    Nothing there, unless you are a wanna-be!

  6. CresceNet November 21, 2007 | 1:52 am

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  7. The Pickled Hutch November 21, 2007 | 2:00 am

    This is a classic and one of my all time favorites. One to always pop out during the holidays!

  8. Allison November 21, 2007 | 2:56 am

    I have never seen the movie, but will enjoy watching over the holidays.

  9. Allegra November 21, 2007 | 3:21 am

    My favorite movie of all time!!
    Wish a little Auntie Mame lived in all of us — a small dose of divine irreverance, tremendous style and tolerance!

  10. Suzy November 21, 2007 | 5:28 am

    Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll have to check it out next time I’m at the video store.

  11. MyLittleCorner November 21, 2007 | 11:14 am

    My favorite! I will make note of watching this again when hubbie is away next week.

    Fab decor indeed.

  12. Brilliant Asylum November 21, 2007 | 2:37 pm

    This is such a stylish film and the live musical was just as cool. It made a HUGE impression on me as a youngster. Great post!

  13. Mrs. Blandings November 21, 2007 | 3:46 pm

    Definitely on the “must have” list for design devotees.

  14. maison21 November 21, 2007 | 5:17 pm

    a true classique!

  15. halcyon November 22, 2007 | 4:43 am

    I love the way she gave that withering “LIIIIITLE GLOOOOOOORY”

    and Glory’s “I can’t TELL you how pleased I am pleased to make your ACQUAINTANCE!”

  16. Paul Pincus May 28, 2008 | 7:57 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  17. Babs February 5, 2010 | 9:28 pm

    Top Drawer!