1945
Directed by Billy Wilder
As the book states, this is a monumental film for the United States. In the thirties, drunk people were mainly used as comic relief. People were so busy protesting Prohibition that directors rarely tackled the issue of alcoholism.
The most notable thing about this movie is certainly the acting; I have rarely seen a Best Actor Oscar better deserved. Ray Milland captures the persona of an alcoholic so perfectly that I can't imagine he didn't struggle with drink himself. This movie is about an alcoholic writer (why is it always the writer?) who spends a miserable weekend trying to resist the drink.
I enjoyed this movie although it was certainly cringe worthy during his more desperate phases. Fresh and well made.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
The liquor industry offered five million dollars to Paramount to stop the film's release.
Voted one of the most dangerous movies by Premiere magazine.
Prohibition groups also protested the release of the film, stating that it would encourage drinking. Talk about missing the point.
Milland is so underrated nowadays
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