Simone Signoret edged out other contenders for the Oscar, though Liz Taylor did receive a Donatello recognizing her impactful performance in this divisive psychological drama. She portrays “Miss Catherine,” a young woman seemingly marked for a lobotomy. The reason? Her apparently kind-hearted and affluent aunt, “Violet” (Katharine Hepburn), is persuaded that she poses a risk to herself and others, offering a million …

Howard Hawks once said that a good movie has three strong scenes and no weak ones. Suddenly, Last Summer features four very effective scenes largely carried by one of the two major actresses in the lead roles—or, on occasion, both. These are extended sequences, but they never feel dull; you remain completely engaged, captivated by what’s unfolding onscreen. Katharine Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor deliver distinct, …

Tennessee Williams’ words rarely come without a price. Millionairess Violet Venable remains fixated on her deceased son, Sebastian. Sebastian died unexpectedly while vacationing with his cousin Catharine, an event that has pushed Catharine perilously close to madness. Concerned about Catharine and the painful things she says, Violet asks brain surgeon Dr. Cukrowicz to consider a lobotomy for the young woman. But a…