Toys in the Attic (1963)

Plot: Two spinster sisters are visited by  their "Bad Boy" Brother and his new Bride.  Southern Gothic fireworks ensue. Adopted from Lillian Hellman's play.
Stars:  Dean Martin, Wendy Hiller, Gene Tierney, Yvette Minimeux and Geraldine Page
Best Quote: "Miss Page, under Mr. Hill's direction, is a pinwheel whenever she's on. She sizzles and pops and spins in circles. But what's at the core of her? Who knows!" - NYT

Toys has some good things going for it:  New Orleans location shots,  B&W cinematography  and a short 90 minute run-time. And some excellent acting by Page, Hiller, and Tierney.   As for the rest of the cast, Dean Martin pulls a "Burt Lancaster" bringing box office appeal and mediocre acting to a role requiring a powerhouse thespian. Poor Minimeux tries hard, but is miscast

 Story?  Set in New Orleans, its Lillian Hellman does Tennessee Williams, except Hellman doesn't have Williams' humanity or his poetic language. Her characters are unengaging. Unlike "Blanche Dubois" or "Maggie the Cat" they don't deserve our sympathy, just a trip to a psychiatrists office.

Summary:  Dull dysfunctional family theater with some good acting. Has all the dramatic push of a tea cart. Rating 2 of 4