Tennessee Williams: Orpheus of the American Stage

Thomas Lanier (‘Tennessee') Williams is arguably America's pre­mier playwright and this in-depth look at his life and work does this complex man justice. Segments from several of his works are presented in order to give viewers an idea of the poetry of his language as well as a glimpse into Williams, him­self. The product of a turbulent household, Williams was a withdrawn child who discovered, through writing, a socially acceptable outlet for his emotions. Following his move to New Orleans from St. Louis, Williams found himself in an environment which welcomed his eccentricities and turned a blind eye to his homosexuality. It was here that he produced his greatest works: The Glass Menagerie, A Street­car Named Desire, and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. The video is rich with interviews of such luminaries as Edward P. Murrow, David Frost, Edward Albee, Elia Kazan, and others and they help to present a well-rounded portrait of this gifted wordsmith. Libraries with large drama collections will welcome this video on an American creative genius. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Carlson)