The 1950s were a wild time on television. Shows such as "Playhouse 90" and the "The United States Steel Hour" brought original plays to television by some of the top writers, directed by top directors and starring amazing talent. And, to top it all off, it was all broadcast LIVE!! Some of these teleplays were so good that Hollywood took notice and made later made film versions of productions such as "Marty", "Requiem for a Heavyweight" and "Days of Wine and Roses"--to great success.
This production is the original "Days of Wine and Roses". And, while it's obviously was changed a bit to bring the story to the big screen, the original production is still very powerful today--albeit not quite as polished. Oddly, however, neither the accomplished actors (Cliff Robertson and Piper Laurie) nor the amazingly talented director (John Frankenheimer) were given a chance to be involved with the film--even though they sure proved themselves with the teleplay! I noticed that one reviewer thought the teleplay was better. While I admit that it was certainly more original, the movie was much more polished and the acting a bit more subdued--making the story seem more realistic. Plus the ending had a much greater impact in the film--seeing Lee Remmick destroying herself at the end really hit me hard. Piper Laurie's descent into alcoholism was also terrible--but didn't quite seem as horrible. Still, BOTH the play AND movie make great viewing and I advise you to try to see them both. And, when it comes to alcoholism, this portrayal is far better and far more realistic than other famous films like "The Lost Weekend"--especially since it does not feature a happy ending where the problems just magically disappear. Truly one of the best TV projects of the decade--and because of that, even without all the polish, this deserves a 10.
This production is the original "Days of Wine and Roses". And, while it's obviously was changed a bit to bring the story to the big screen, the original production is still very powerful today--albeit not quite as polished. Oddly, however, neither the accomplished actors (Cliff Robertson and Piper Laurie) nor the amazingly talented director (John Frankenheimer) were given a chance to be involved with the film--even though they sure proved themselves with the teleplay! I noticed that one reviewer thought the teleplay was better. While I admit that it was certainly more original, the movie was much more polished and the acting a bit more subdued--making the story seem more realistic. Plus the ending had a much greater impact in the film--seeing Lee Remmick destroying herself at the end really hit me hard. Piper Laurie's descent into alcoholism was also terrible--but didn't quite seem as horrible. Still, BOTH the play AND movie make great viewing and I advise you to try to see them both. And, when it comes to alcoholism, this portrayal is far better and far more realistic than other famous films like "The Lost Weekend"--especially since it does not feature a happy ending where the problems just magically disappear. Truly one of the best TV projects of the decade--and because of that, even without all the polish, this deserves a 10.