The Night of the Iguana

1964

A Tennessee Williams play is all sweat and rancid liquor and last-ditch moonlit thrashing. But it is also perfect, carved with patient ruthless skill into a gem full of uncertain shadows. He really is one of the best.

Ava Gardner is a crackling fuse with a full charge at its end, and watching her performance is as thrilling as a bumpy bus ride through th…