Antonius Block "Night of the Iguana" is based on the play by Tennessee Williams, so you know it's going to include darkness and push boundaries, and it does. Richard Burton plays a clergyman with a predilection for young women, and thus finds himself kicked out of his church and employed as a tour guide in Mexico. On a tour to Puerto Vallarta, it seems he has sex with an underage girl (Sue Lyon), and afterwards can't get rid of her. She continues to pursue him, much to the chagrin of her aunt and leader of the group (Grayson Hall). Burton finds himself in hot water again, and out of desperation takes control of the bus and the group to a different hotel, one now owned by the playful and bawdy widow of an old friend (Ava Gardner). There they meet an altruistic and spiritual painter (Deborah Kerr) and her elderly grandfather, a poet.Richard Burton's performance was a little hit-and-miss for me, at times being a bit hammy, but at other times really delivering. In any event he is certainly upstaged by Ava Gardner, who turns in a fantastic performance. She is smooth, natural, and authentic in this role. Sue Lyon is a little too wide-eyed and Deborah Kerr is a little too-pious for my taste, though those are the characters. And I have to say, the scene where Lyon cuts loose and dances around a beach bar is mesmerizing, and Kerr (the "spinster who is pushing forty") is compelling when she recounts her limited experiences with the opposite sex, and how she endures her urges and demons, things that have helped make her deeply empathetic to others.The film can be a bit heavy-handed in places, e.g. the comparison of Burton while trussed up in a hammock to Christ being crucified, but it's profound in others, e.g. the poem the old man comes up with (search for "How Calmly Does the Olive Branch"). It is edgy in places and refreshingly at the vanguard of the sexual liberation of the 60's, e.g. Ava Gardner's character making it clear that she enjoys sex with two young men (the scene on the beach, while nothing ultimately happens, still surprised me). It's retrograde in others, most notably stereotyping lesbians in Grayson Hall's character, whose sexuality the others make insulting comments about. All in all, while it had unevenness in the performances and script, there was a range of interesting emotions, some great moments, and it was entertaining.

frankwiener Having read several reviews of this film, I was disappointed that none of them even mentioned one of the most remarkable openings of any movie that I have seen recently. The congregants of Rev. Dr. T. Lawrence Shannon have braved a torrential rainstorm in order to seek spiritual fulfillment from the reverend's Sunday service, and, much to their horror, they witness a total nervous breakdown from the pulpit instead. Observe the shocked and disgusted expressions on their faces before they are forcibly driven from their holy sanctuary out into the cold, unforgiving rain. They may have grown suspicious of the respectability of their pastor, but they never expected anything like this. I'm surprised that he didn't strip naked during his very public and total psychological meltdown, but, hey, this was made in 1964. Just the mention of pot alone must have been considered risqué back then.The very powerful, carefully crafted opening and the ability to sustain the subsequent action, which could not have been easy, is to the credit of director John Huston. The director's success was assisted by a very intelligent original play from Tennessee Williams and a very able cast, most notably Richard Burton as Dr. Shannon and Grayson Hall, who deservedly gained an Oscar nomination as Judith Fellowes, the repressed and frustrated tour organizer. Deborah Kerr was very suitable for her role as the very reflective, articulate, and impoverished artist, and Ava Gardner was very entertaining as an emotionally volatile and vulnerable expatriate owner of a rustic hotel somewhere along the Mexican west coast near Puerto Vallarta. Sue Lyon looked great as Lolita, but this time her name was Charlotte. She still had no clue as to what she did to middle aged men, or did she? As good as Ms. Lyon looked, I found her acting flat and uninspiring, which is highly ironic when one considers her physical attributes.And how about Maxine's cabana boys and their unstoppable maracas? Once she finally abandoned them for Larry Shannon, I wonder if they ended up in MS-13 out of mere spite. That would be sad.

HotToastyRag Alright, this movie was based off a Tennessee Williams play; you know what you're getting into, right? It's going to be set in the South, the weather's going to be hot, and sexual perversions will abound. Now that that's settled, let's get to The Night of the Iguana.Richard Burton plays an ex-priest, who was defrocked because he violated his celibacy vows. He lives in Mexico trying to waste away and forget his past. There's a busload of tourists from Texas (see, the South!) and underage bombshell Sue Lyon develops a crush on Richard. How can the middle-aged man resist Lolita? No, literally, Sue Lyon starred in Lolita two years before this movie.This isn't my favorite Tennessee Williams story, but the acting is really good. Ava Gardner, a little used and haggard looking, plays the hash-slinging hotel owner, Deborah Kerr plays a sensitive, kind soul. Both women try to help Richard face his demons, so you can only imagine the acting talents captured on the screen during the dramatic scenes! If you like dark, strange movies, you might actually like the story. But, most likely, you'll watch it for the acting.

FilmCriticLalitRao There is something really enigmatic and magical about American film "The night of the Iguana" as it captures the raw beauty of Mexico as a preferred destination for pleasure seeking American tourists.It is one of those acclaimed films directed by renowned American director John Huston which succeeds at almost all levels.It is quite a pleasure to watch such a mature,serious film full of intellect and wit based on a humanist play by acclaimed American playwright Tennessee Williams.This film has its own balanced share of comedy and drama as everything in it is a remarkable ode to human judgment."The night of the Iguana" is able to strike a chord in viewers' minds as it has been transformed into a great character study thanks to amazing acting performances by famous actors Richard Burton,Ava Gardner and Deborah Kerr.How can a moody man retain his sanity in an environment full of doubts and passion seems to be this film's core issue.It is an extremely complex issue for both men and women who have to deal with it using their limited resources.Both men and animals need to be freed from shackles to act and think freely appears to be this film's humane message.