Night of the Iguana [DVD]

About a year ago I bought several movies from Walmart--some purchased on line. I was very pleased with the selection of movies,the over-all quality and quick delivery. I bought Night of the Iguana from Walmart on line. This movie is based on the play by Tennessee Williams--I own a large perspective of his work--he was a somewhat troubled but extremely busy genius. When 'other' American writers were 'blocked' or writing about their ex-wives,Tennessee Williams was writing one brilliant Broadway play/movie after another. Night of the Iguana translates as one of his best ( I think) plays into film. It helps to have the robust and rowdy (sometimes) John Huston as director. Everyone in this film from the frumps on the bus (tourists)--'bit' players--to the main characters-the stars-is wonderful. Richard Burton tries to hide from temptation ( he probably can't) as the disgraced Reverend Shannon--a man who slid from the high pulpit to the lowly tour bus driver. Sue Lyon is the prettiest tour participant-a obvious flirt who reminds everyone that sweat glistens off the young and drips off the old. Its HOT in Mexico.Ava Gardner plays the crumbly 'inn' keeper off the sea--she's a bit older now--she wears the same outfit and twists her hair in an unraveling knot--she's a widow with some off season 'company' in the form of Shannon and the ever lovely Deborah Kerr and her elderly Uncle. Ava Gardner's fake reluctance to shut out the mostly broke Kerr and Burton make for an interesting ongoing conversation between three lonely,way too smart people. Tennessee Williams did (seem) to appreciate the 'way too smart'--in every foolish,impractical and sometimes evil form. One way or another these strong,shattered characters bond and eventually help each other through the night (not what you think) and into the next day--not so steady as the ever blazing sun-but onward and up--again and again. Night of the Iguana is filmed on location,in black and white--I think this suits the mood of the story---shadows let in a little light--between an unlikely meeting of familiar 'stangers' who become friends for a day.....or two. Ava Gardner has the best line of encouragemnent regarding her (now) business and maybe romantic partner Shannon/Burton. It's no sermon just a sentence in her own (and Williams') side ways,earthy style. Gardner should have received more praise for the role of Maxine (AN AWARD!!!) than she got. Night of the Iguana is stunning and flawlessly preformed by stars who more then live up to how they surpassed reels of dumb Hollywood fluff in the first place.Thank you.