A cautionary tale about alcoholism, "I'll Cry Tomorrow" is an adaptation of Lillian Roth's autobiography. Susan Hayward portrays Ms. Roth with ferocity and authenticity, but sometimes overacts. Actually it's most noticeable when the dialogue falls short of authentic.
Lillian deals with an overbearing stage mother, then a succession of failed relationships. Eventually, she becomes dependent on alcohol to her horror. Predictably, she sabotages her career and sinks to the depths of despair.
The end of the film is basically an ad for Alcoholics Anonymous, detailing its methods. It's a good message to advertise, and it probably had more impact when the film was released. Today, the nature of dependency is better understood.
Regarding the three songs featured in the film, two of them are well-suited to the film. The other--which is probably the first song I remember from my childhood--is the catchy but misplaced "When the Red Red Robin Comes Bob Bob Bobbing Along", which has the gravitas of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat."
In my opinion, other films have better captured the desperation and degradation of alcoholism, but this film--being biographical--deserves an audience.
Lillian deals with an overbearing stage mother, then a succession of failed relationships. Eventually, she becomes dependent on alcohol to her horror. Predictably, she sabotages her career and sinks to the depths of despair.
The end of the film is basically an ad for Alcoholics Anonymous, detailing its methods. It's a good message to advertise, and it probably had more impact when the film was released. Today, the nature of dependency is better understood.
Regarding the three songs featured in the film, two of them are well-suited to the film. The other--which is probably the first song I remember from my childhood--is the catchy but misplaced "When the Red Red Robin Comes Bob Bob Bobbing Along", which has the gravitas of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat."
In my opinion, other films have better captured the desperation and degradation of alcoholism, but this film--being biographical--deserves an audience.