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The Lost Weekend (1945)

Not Rated   |    |  Drama, Film-Noir

The Lost Weekend (1945) Poster

The desperate life of a chronic alcoholic is followed through a four-day drinking bout.

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8/10
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Photos

  • "The Lost Weekend" Ray Milland 1945 Paramount / MPTV
  • " The Lost Weekend" Ray Milland 1945 Paramount / MPTV
  • Ray Milland and Jane Wyman in The Lost Weekend (1945)
  • Ray Milland and Doris Dowling in The Lost Weekend (1945)
  • Ray Milland in The Lost Weekend (1945)
  • "The Lost Weekend" Ray Milland 1945 Paramount / MPTV

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Awards

Won 4 Oscars.

Another 12 wins & 3 nominations.

Reviews & Commentary

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User Reviews
16 April 2001 | Doylenf
Powerful landmark film on alcoholism has lost none of its status...Ray Milland deserved his Oscar...
I take exception to previous comments that call the film "daring for its time" or "dated". It's still a very powerful film and there is nothing dated about the theme of a man who loses his soul to the bottle. It was a landmark film in its time and still is--there is no question about its holding power and the excellence of writing, acting and direction. Yes, even by today's standards! It outclasses more recent films dealing with alcoholism as it focuses on one man's problem with the bottle--a problem that affects all of the people whose lives he touches--particularly his loyal girlfriend (Jane Wyman in one of her best roles) and Philip Terry as his more conventional brother. The emotions are stark and real. The pity we feel for Milland's character is also mixed with disgust for his weakness. It's an accurate depiction of an alcoholic's struggle for the next fix--a never ending search for the next bottle. The pseudo-babble of a previous commentator attempts to inject disdain for the film as outdated and outclassed by more serious works. Nonsense! This was a stark and powerful film in 1945 and I have news for you--it is just as powerful and timely today! No other American film comes close to it. It is as searing an indictment of alcoholism as you are ever likely to see and Milland fully deserved his Oscar.

Critic Reviews

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Studio advisers warned Ray Milland that this would be the death of his career. Milland himself was initially reluctant to take the part, as it had been turned down by many other leading actors of the day. However, Paramount was convinced that the only way it could sell such a film was with a matinée idol in the lead. Billy Wilder acquiesced to this only when it became clear that his first choice, José Ferrer, would not land the part.

Quotes

Wick Birnem: You better take this along, Don. It's gonna be cold on the farm.
Don Birnam: Okay.
Wick Birnem: How many shirts are you taking?
Don Birnam: Three.
Wick Birnem: I'm taking five.
Don Birnam: Five?
Wick Birnem: Yeah, I told them at the office I might not be back until Tuesday. We'll get there this afternoon. That'll give us ...

Goofs

In Don's first visit to Nat's Bar the apples at the top of his paper bag change in height from shot to shot.

Soundtracks

It Was So Beautiful (and You Were Mine)
(1932) (uncredited)
Music by Harry Barris
Lyrics by Arthur Freed
Played on piano and sung by Harry Barris at Harry and Joe's

Storyline

Plot Summary

Genres

Drama | Film-Noir

Details

Release Date:

January 1946

Language

English

Country of Origin

USA

Filming Locations

Bellevue Hospital - 462 First Avenue, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,250,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$9,460,000 (USA) (31 December 1946)

User Polls

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