Vashirdfel Simply A Masterpiece

Mjeteconer Just perfect...

WillSushyMedia This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Bob This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

Panamint Two words spoken by a patient pretty much sum up this whole film, start to finish- "I'm phobic!". It's all phobia, neurosis and hysterics, so its kinda like watching a train wreck. The main difference between patients and staff is that the patients seem more self aware, often knowing just what their problems are, in contrast to the staff who flounder in self ignorance while totally unaware of their own internal issues. Overall the film lacks much depth, maybe the depth was lost in the editing process, so that we are left with...well...mostly just drapes (at least four different sets of drapes by my count, if you include the originals that are to be replaced). Maybe the writers of this story had a drapery fetish? Strange, but you never know!Lillian Gish and Gloria Grahame steal the movie and their performances are worth your viewing time. The whole movie is a guilty pleasure, as neither inmates nor staff seem to be in charge of this asylum. Its fun to watch as the wheels come off and the "Institute for Neurosis" descends into 1950's campy chaos.

jjnxn-1 Well what was that?! Cockamamie confection isn't even psychiatry lite just some nonsense that's all about the DRAPES!!!! Truly odd film is loaded with great actors and a ludicrous story. How it ever got the green light from the studio is mystery number one, that Vincente Minnelli said okay to directing it is the second although that would explain why so many great actors allowed themselves to be involved.Everybody gives overheated performances except Lauren Bacall who keeps a low-key dignity amongst the melodrama and Susan Strasberg offers a restrained quiet portrait of a shut-in who is making her first tentative steps towards reemerging into the world. The rest of the players aim for the rafters to varying degrees from Richard Widmark's impassioned but distracted doctor who is merely agitated then there is Lillian Gish who chews a bit of scenery as a bitter spinster as well as many other respected actors who show little restraint. The real standout though is Gloria Grahame as Richard's hot mess of a wife, she seems to realize how silly the whole thing is and pitches her performance to that tempo, she's jittery, flouncy and fun plus she looks great. Laughable take on mental health but good for one fun viewing as a camp catastrophe.

edwagreen Very disappointing film with Charles Boyer terribly miscast as a therapist in an institution who has lost his self-respect.We know that there are debates regarding how much autonomy patients should have in these places. The main thrust of the film is about hanging up draperies. I haven't heard that term since the woman portraying Mamie Eisenhower in the fabulous "Backstairs at The White House" correcting the maid for using the term drapes instead of draperies.Richard Widmark, as the other therapist, is good here but the material, excuse the pun, does him in as well in a poor script. Gloria Grahame, as his frustrated, neglected wife, is also good.The film does show that both therapists need help for their own problems. The real star here is Lillian Gish, as the neglected, devoted worker trying her very best to assert herself. Gish portrays an anxious spinster who is really unable to cope.This is certainly not "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."

wes-connors At last! - a movie featuring an All-Star cast who argue about, more than chew the scenery. This is because the main storyline involves how an upscale Nuthouse (okay, Psychiatric Clinic) will get new curtains installed in their lunatics' lounge. Chain-smoking head doctor Richard Widmark (as Stewart "Mac" McIver) favors letting the patients determine the décor for themselves; this would mean suicidal painter John Kerr (as Steven "Stevie" Holte) gets the job. However, Mr. Widmark's strangely neglected sexy wife, Gloria Grahame (as Karen), wants to get involved in the decorating. And, all clash with veteran administrator Lillian Gish (as Victoria "Vicki" Inch), who is already ordering the drapes. Only designer Cedric Gibbons could solve this one… Meanwhile, lovely occupational therapist Lauren Bacall (as Meg Faversen Rinehart) pines for Widmark, alcoholic doctor Charles Boyer (as Douglas "Dev" Devanal) paws Ms. Grahame, and patient Oscar Levant (as Mister Capp) sings "Mother". Director Vincente Minnelli has his players hold things up for the camera lens, and does nothing for newcomers Susan Strasberg (as Sue Brett) and Mr. Kerr. Ms. Bacall handles her sadly secondary role with poise. Grahame recites lines like she's being timed. Everyone is overwrought, with only Ms. Gish and Mr. Boyer seemingly able to modulate the totality. "The Cobweb" is enjoyable more for its cast than its story. "Lassie" owner Tommy Rettig and "King Kong" screamer Fay Wray also appear.****** The Cobweb (6/7/55) Vincente Minnelli ~ Richard Widmark, Gloria Grahame, Lillian Gish, John Kerr