A Tub Named Desire

About This Movie

A Tub Named Desire (1956) is an elusive relic of cinema that many collectors yearn to see, though it largely exists now only in whispers. The film features Donna Kerness in her debut role, but its director remains a mystery. The atmosphere, as described from the fragments I've encountered, seems to blend surrealism with an odd sense of humor, capturing an almost dreamlike quality that resonates even in its absence. It's fascinating how some of its footage found a second life in George Kuchar's work, particularly in The Naked and the Nude. The pacing is likely unconventional, perhaps reflecting the experimental nature of the time, which gives it a peculiar charm that today’s viewers might find intriguing.

This film is a true rarity; only one 8mm print is known to exist, and it was part of George Kuchar's collection. Its fragments included in later works make it a fascinating study in how lost films can still influence contemporary art. Given its scarcity, the collector interest is mostly academic, aimed at those who appreciate the oddities of cinematic history rather than traditional film enthusiasts.