That afternoon, Gooper, Mae and the children drive to the airport to meet Big Daddy and his wife Ida, who have been away consulting numerous doctors. After Maggie describes her pent-up frustration as akin to that of 'a cat on a hot tin roof' with nowhere to go, Brick callously advises her to find a lover. When Brick rebuffs Maggie's flirting, she pleads to know why he consistently rejects her. She points out that if Brick is committed, they will be powerless to prevent Gooper from carrying out his plans to deprive them of the inheritance. Although she vows to oppose Gooper's recommendation, Maggie implores Brick to stop drinking. Maggie then reveals that Gooper has suggested that Brick be committed to an alcoholic sanitarium.

Maggie observes that Mae's sixth pregnancy is a sure indication that Gooper and Mae intend to claim all the family inheritance of their father, wealthy land owner Big Daddy Pollitt, who has been in questionable health. After Brick's wife Maggie argues with one of Mae's spoiled children, she retires to the house to see Brick. The next morning, constricted by a heavy ankle cast, Brick drinks in his bedroom, while in the backyard his brother Gooper, Gooper's wife Mae and their five raucous children prepare for the birthday party. Former football star Brick Pollitt arrives at his family home in Mississippi to celebrate his father's birthday and, while drunk, attempts to jump hurdles late at night, only to fall and break his ankle.

Cat oa hot tin roof