Blu ray review: The Rose Tattoo (1955)

Anna Magnani’s Oscar winning portrayal is what especially stands out in Tennessee Williams’  The Rose Tattoo, newly released on blu ray by Kino Lorber. 

As a Sicilian seamstress who becomes sullen and withdrawn upon her truck driver husband’s death in a fiery crash, she slowly comes out of her shell when she meets another handsome trucker (Burt Lancaster) who has the same disposition as her late husband.

The role is a very complex one, a challenge for any actress, and Magnani is magnificent.  It is no wonder that Williams admitted he had her in mind when he wrote the original play.

Marisa Pavan is beautiful and dramatically potent as the daughter who falls in love with a waspish sailor (Ben Cooper). 

Burt Lancaster is pretty much cast against type and exhibits his fine versatility as an actor. This film was made when he was at the height of his stardom

It is interesting how Williams transports Italian characters into his Southern theme, setting the film in an Italian community in Louisiana.  The casting of Italian-born actors like Sandro Giglio (very good as the Priest) and Mimi Aguglia add greater authenticity. 

Kino Lorber’s blu ray is from the 2021 hi def master by Paramount Pictures  from 4K scans.  There is an informative audio commentary by film historian/writer Julie Kirgo and writer/filmmaker Peter Hankoff.

The Rose Tattoo is highly recommended and can be ordered at this link:  TATTOO