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Lillian Hellman's play "Toys in the Attic" was adapted for the screen in 1963. The story is reminiscent of Williams, as it concerns a southern family with lots of hidden secrets. Dean Martin stars as Julian, a man who's made a career out of losing jobs and money. He returns to the family home in New Orleans with his young bride (Yvette Mimieux) with a plan to make a quick fortune. Martin is ok in this role, and Mimieux plays her part as the naive bride very well. But the reason to see this is the powerful acting of the two ladies who play Julian's sisters. Oscar winners Wendy Hiller (Anna) and Geraldine Page (Carrie) are amazing in this picture. Anna is the more mature, careful sister, while Carrie is emotional and dramatic. Carrie's obsession with Julian is unhealthy, and Anna realizes this. And there is also some conflict with Julian's mother-in-law, and the people he's scheming to make money with. Honestly, unless Ms Hiller or Ms Page is onscreen, then this film bores me. As Carrie, Geraldine Page gave another of her incredible screen performances. From "little girl flirty" to "self righteously indignant", Ms Page doesn't strike a false note once in this picture. Carrie's obsession with her brother causes trouble for everyone else, and in some ways resembles the character Alma that Page played in "Summer and Smoke". As Anna, Wendy Hiller perfectly plays the older sister who's spent years worrying and caring for her siblings, yet all the time knowing what the deep secret is in her family's attic. Gene Tierney is impressive in a small role as Dean Martin's mother-in-law, as is Larry Gates as the vengeful businessman Martin deals with. But despite Dean Martin's top billing, this is a show for the talents of two gifted actresses, with Geraldine Page and Wendy Hiller making the most of this Southern gothic melodrama.

Julian Berniers is a raconteur and habitual schemer who travels home to New Orleans with his wife Lily to visit his elder sisters Carrie and Anna. Carrie and Anna dote on Julian, with Carrie being especially ecstatic over and obsessed with him. He hasn't been back for months, and the two sisters are confident he has squandered all his money, as he has done so many times before. However, this time, Julian arrives mysteriously in the black, flush with cash and bearing many gifts. This doesn't sit well with Carrie, and Lily has her own reasons to be suspicious of her husband. Though all seems to go well for a while, the ultimate ramifications of Julian's arrival prove to be unexpected and devastating, in George Roy Hill's 'Toys In The Attic.'

Based on the play of the same name by Lillian Hellman, 'Toys In The Attic' is a lightweight Tennessee Williams style melodrama that entertains, though doesn't break any particularly new ground. With a screenplay by James Poe, the narrative is sadly predictable and underwhelming, featuring many 'Southern' cliches and derivative scenarios. Some of the characters are very obviously and poorly written, with motivations so thin they make cigarette paper look hefty. Additionally, the dialogue rarely if ever rises above the level of a soap opera, and twists introduced throughout are ham-fisted and foreseeable.

All that said, there is a realistic relationship in the film featuring two interesting characters that impresses greatly; that of Julian and Anna. Their relationship is utterly believable and a fine example of good, understated screenwriting. One doesn't need- or get- extraneous information regarding their feelings for one another or their past experiences, which makes the characters' evident bond so natural and impressive. Contrasted with the character of Carrie- for whom Poe consistently over-writes- or that of Lily- for whom Poe underwrites- Julian and Anna stand out as impressively rounded cinematic creations who interact with one another in a credible fashion.

On the technical side of things, 'Toys In The Attic' has a few elements worth mentioning. Joseph F. Biroc's cinematography is subdued and mutedly artistic. There are some shots that will stick with you, such as Biroc's framing of a fight in a warehouse from the latter half of the picture, which brims with tension and compositional intrigue. Additionally, Victor A. Gangelin's evocative set decoration lends to locations an aura of authenticity, while Bill Thomas's costume design is striking and impressive work. George Duning's sweeping, melodic score is also of note, which brings additional drama to the proceedings.

'Toys In The Attic' boasts an all-star cast, headed up by Dean Martin as Julian, a role originated by Jason Robards on stage. Martin plays the character as a good natured, unlucky fellow who honestly tries to do the right thing. One of the warmest, most genuine figures ever in entertainment history, Martin's magnetic screen presence threatens at times to run away with the film; and is easily the strongest selling point 'Toys In The Attic' boasts. He delivers a towering performance of depth and emotional volubility, proving once again that he could handle dramatic roles with ease.

Co-starring as Carrie and Anna are Geraldine Page and Wendy Hiller, respectively. While Hiller masterfully underplays the role of Anna, Page goes rather over-the-top, over-doing the Southern accent and emotional volatility inherent to her character. Hiller, like Martin, steals the film with her natural approach, range and poise. Page minces around like Elizabeth Taylor from 'Hammersmith Is Out,' playing the role at such a heightened level that one wonders whether or not she thought the material was intended as parody. Yvette Mimieux also stars, as Lily; though leaves such a minute impression she may not have been there at all.

'Toys In The Attic' is a bit of a mixed bag at the end of the day, an obvious melodrama featuring elements both over-the-top and understated. Though Dean Martin and Wendy Hiller turn in powerful performances worth remembering, Geraldine Page and Yvette Mimieux unfortunately counterbalance their brilliance with their less than stellar efforts. Additionally, the dialogue is often ridiculously cliched and the narrative is essentially predictable and derivative. In short, 'Toys In The Attic' is a muddled drama featuring inconsistent playthings; some of which will provide you immense entertainment value, and some of which you wish never came out of the toybox.

George Roy Hill, Lillian Hellman, Geraldine Page, Wendy Hiller, Dean Martin, Yvette Mimieux, Bill Thomas (costumes) and lastly but always outstanding Gene Tierney. What a great grouping of actors, writers, director and costumes as well all else fits together in this film. Over 40 years have passed as has most of the cast, but this film still holds together very well. Geraldine Page is always good and captures the somewhat crazed Carrie charactor beautifully. Dean Martin has always been over looked as an actor and really proves his worth in this role. George Roy Hill keeps things moving and all and everyone else keep plenty of grease and batter on this fine batch of southern fried chicken. Treat yourself to a really fine movie, it is worth it all just for a look at the talented Madame Tierney.

What genetic combination would produce Geraldine Page, Wendy Hiller and Dino? It's a credit to these two phenomenal actresses that, despite their wildly different features and Ms. Hiller's occasional drop into pure Dame-speak (listen to the way she says "Europe") you never question that they are sisters. Mr. Martin is just a different kind of talent, but acquits himself nicely. (His character's going out and buying sexy negligees for his spinster sisters creeps out the modern viewer somewhat, but perhaps that is intentional.) Yvette Mimieux is very appealing (her role is saned-up a bit from the character in the play, who was even further off the rails) and the camera loves her thick, shiny, butter-blonde hair. If you're a fan of the "Hush, Hush...Sweet Charlotte"/"Kings Row" school of drama, or a Hellmann aficionado, or, like me, someone who'd watch Wendy Hiller in anything from Shakespeare to infomercials, this fast-paced, soundly-made picture is well worth the rental fee. Heck, if it were out on DVD, I'd buy it.

Despite its silly sounding title (which is never explained, by the way), Toys in the Attic is extremely heavy. It'll stick with you for years afterwards, and you probably won't ever want to watch it again. When the main character is so evil, and the actor or actress is so convincing, it makes your skin crawl. And when the performance is that good, chances are he or she will be honored at the Hot Toasty Rag awards. Geraldine Page had to wait until 1985 to receive an Academy Award, but she won a Rag award in 1963.

Geraldine plays a spinster living with her sister, Wendy Hiller. Geraldine takes up all the energy in the room, so much so that no one else can even breathe. Wendy just sits on the sidelines, observes, and tries to quietly prevent any damage from getting done. They both share a love of their baby brother, Dean Martin. Whenever he comes to visit, they're buoyed up for a brief time before his good intentions fall flat and leave them exactly as they were before. Expensive presents often turn out to be borrowed on bad credit. Promises are empty. He comes this time with a new wife in tow, Yvette Mimieux, and lots of money in his pocket. He buys them a refrigerator, fancy clothes, and tickets to a European cruise. Then why aren't they happy?

Lots of reasons, as you'll see if you rent this movie. As the older sister, Wendy has some great expressions as she observes and hopes for the best. Geraldine steals all the spotlight, though, with her frenetic energy and manic emotions. Jealous, cruel, possessive, demanding, and unhinged - it's Geraldine Page at her finest.

At the time of its release, Dean Martin was criticized for his performance; critics went so far as to say he had no business being in such a heavy drama. That was both unkind and not true. He was surprisingly good in this movie, and gallantly, both of his leading ladies came to his defense. Geraldine and Wendy said he was a pleasure to work with, and they were both proud of his performance.