Something to Live For (1952)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

George Stevens

Writer:

Dwight Taylor (writer)

Release Date:

7 March 1952 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot Keywords:

Theatre | Alcoholism | Stage Fright | Christmas | Beautiful Woman

Cast

Joan Fontaine	...	Jenny Carey
Ray Milland	...	Alan Miller
Teresa Wright	...	Edna Miller
Richard Derr	...	Tony Collins
Douglas Dick	...	Baker
Herbert Heyes	...	J.B. Crawley
Harry Bellaver	...	Billy, Elevator Operator
Paul Valentine	...	Albert Forest

Also Known As:

Mr. & Mrs. Anonymous (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

89 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Certification:

Australia:PG | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15

Company:

Paramount Pictures

AA at work

I enjoyed this film a lot. Joan Fontaine plays Jenny Carey, a struggling actress whose insecurities and stage fright drive her to drink. Ray Milland is Allan Miller, an advertising executive who is a recovering alcoholic and a member of AA. He is called to Jenny's hotel room by the elevator operator one night when Jenny had been on a drinking binge. She was due at a rehearsal of a Broadway play. This meeting of Jenny and Alan lead to romance, even though Allen is married and has two children and one on the way. Jenny tries to cut off the romance as she feels it is improper, but Allan is totally taken with Jenny and wants to continue the romance. Joan Fontaine and Ray Milland have wonderful screen chemistry. Both are excellent as their respective characters, although parts of the script are somewhat weak. Will Alan leave his wife for Jenny? Will Jenny conquer alcoholism and get her chance to star in a Broadway play? This film is seldom seen on cable, but is sometimes put up for bid on eBay. It is certainly worth a look. The film was directed by George Stevens.