The Rose Tattoo

The Rose Tattoo, directed by Daniel Mann, adapts Tennessee Williams's play, written directly for and dedicated to Anna Magnani, who turned down the 1951 Broadway offer feeling her English wasn't strong enough, then accepted the film adaptation four years later. Producer Hal Wallis bought the film rights after seeing the play on its Broadway opening night. The film was shot in Key West; by a striking coincidence, the house used as Serafina's exterior stood right next to Tennessee Williams's own home. The film received eight nominations at the 28th Academy Awards and won three: Anna Magnani became the first Italian to win Best Actress (she did not attend the ceremony), James Wong Howe won Best Black and White Cinematography, and the film also won Best Black and White Art Direction. Who it's for: anyone curious about a classic drama where an actress won an Oscar for a role written directly for her, accepted four years after she initially declined it, filmed next door to the playwright's own house. Who it's not for: viewers wanting a fast paced, restless film, since this is a character driven drama rooted in theater.