Days of Wine and Roses (film)

Last updated

Days of Wine and Roses
Days of Wine and Roses (1962 poster).jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Blake Edwards
Screenplay by JP Miller
Based on Days of Wine and Roses
by JP Miller
Produced by Martin Manulis
Starring Jack Lemmon
Lee Remick
Charles Bickford
Jack Klugman
Alan Hewitt
Cinematography Philip H. Lathrop
Edited byPatrick McCormack
Music by Henry Mancini
Production
company
Jalem Productions
Distributed by Warner Bros.
Release date
  • December 26, 1962 (1962-12-26)(United States)
Running time
117 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$2 million [1]
Box office$8.1 million (US/Canada) [2]

Days of Wine and Roses is a 1962 American romantic drama film directed by Blake Edwards with a screenplay by JP Miller adapted from his own 1958 Playhouse 90 teleplay of the same name. The film was produced by Martin Manulis, with music by Henry Mancini, and features Jack Lemmon, Lee Remick, Charles Bickford and Jack Klugman. [3] The film depicts the downward spiral of two average Americans who succumb to alcohol use disorder and attempt to deal with their problems.

Contents

An Academy Award went to the film's theme music, composed by Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. The film received four other Oscar nominations, including Best Actor and Best Actress. In 2018, Days of Wine and Roses was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." [4] [5]

Plot

San Francisco public relations executive Joe Clay meets secretary Kirsten Arnesen. At first, he mistakes her for a call girl, but then when he learns she is a client's secretary, he tries to apologize and court her but she brushes him off. Eventually she warms to him and they begin dating. Kirsten is a teetotaler until Joe introduces her to social drinking. She is initially reluctant, but after her first few Brandy Alexanders, she admits that having a drink makes her "feel good." Despite the misgivings of Kirsten's father, who runs a San Mateo plant nursery and landscaping business, they marry and have a daughter, Debbie.

Joe and Kirsten slowly go from the "two-martini lunch" to full-blown alcoholism. Joe is demoted due to poor performance, and is sent out of town to work on a minor account. Kirsten is alone with their daughter all day and finds drinking the best way to pass the time. While drunk one afternoon, she causes a fire in their apartment that almost kills her and Debbie. Eventually, Joe is fired, and he spends the next several years going from job to job.

One day, Joe sees his reflection in a bar window and realizes in horror that he hardly knows his own face. He tells Kirsten that they must stop drinking, and while not keen on the idea, she agrees. Seeking escape from their addiction, Joe and Kirsten work together in Arnesen's business and stay sober for two months. But the urge is too strong, and during a late-night drinking binge, Joe destroys his father-in-law's greenhouse while looking for a stashed liquor bottle.

Joe is committed to a sanitarium, where he suffers from delirium tremens while confined in a straitjacket. After his release, Joe finally gets sober with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous, a dedicated sponsor named Jim Hungerford, and regular AA meetings. Jim explains to Joe how alcoholics often demonstrate obsessive behavior, pointing out that Kirsten's previous passion for chocolate may have been the first sign of an addictive personality. He advises Joe that most drinkers hate to drink alone or in the company of sober people.

Meanwhile, Kirsten's drinking persists, and she disappears for several days without contacting Joe. She is eventually located at a nearby motel, drunk, but when Joe tries to help her, he ends up drinking again. When their supply runs out, Joe happens upon a liquor store that has closed for the night. He breaks in and steals a bottle but trips and is taunted by the store owner. The result is another trip to the sanitarium, where he is stripped down and tied to a treatment table. Jim appears at his side and warns him that he must keep sober no matter what, even if that means staying away from Kirsten.

Joe finally gets sober, becomes a responsible father to Debbie, and holds down a steady job. He tries to make amends to his father-in-law by offering him payment for past debts and wrongs, but Arnesen accuses him of being indirectly responsible for Kirsten's alcoholism. After calming down, Arnesen says that Kirsten has been disappearing for long periods and is picking up strangers in bars.

One night, Kirsten, shakily sober for two days, comes to Joe's apartment to attempt a reconciliation. Joe tells her she is welcome back anytime if she stops drinking, saying he will not abandon sobriety for her or anything else. Despite acknowledging she can't stop, Kirsten refuses to admit she is an alcoholic and suggests Joe give up on her before leaving.

Joe fights the urge to go after her, calling her name as she turns away from a bar. His cries wake a sleeping Debbie, who asks if Kirsten is coming back. Joe tells her Kirsten is sick and, after deflecting her questions about Kirsten "getting well," stares out at the empty street, the bar's flashing neon sign reflected in the window.

Cast

Production

Background

JP Miller found his title in the 1896 poem "Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam" by the English writer Ernest Dowson (1867–1900): [6] It also inspired the title song devised by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer.

They are not long, the weeping and the laughter,
Love and desire and hate;
I think they have no portion in us after
We pass the gate.
They are not long, the days of wine and roses:
Out of a misty dream
Our path emerges for a while, then closes
Within a dream.

Johnny Mercer had also written the lyrics for the theme from Laura , a 1944 film in which Dowson's poem is quoted in its entirety.

Miller's teleplay for Playhouse 90, also titled Days of Wine and Roses , had received favorable critical attention and was nominated for an Emmy Award in the category Best Writing of a Single Dramatic Program - One Hour or Longer. Manulis, a Playhouse 90 producer, decided the material was ideal for a movie. Some critics observed that the movie lacked the impact of the original television production, which starred Cliff Robertson as Joe and Piper Laurie as Kirsten. In an article written for DVD Journal, critic D.K. Holm noted numerous changes that altered the original considerably when the material was filmed. He cites as an example the hiring of Jack Lemmon. With his participation "little remained of the founding teleplay, except for actor Charles Bickford reprising his role." [7]

Filming

The film's locations included San Francisco, Albany, California, and the Golden Gate Fields race track. The Oscar-winning title song had music by Henry Mancini and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Single records by Andy Williams and the Henry Mancini chorus made the Billboard Top 40.

Director Blake Edwards became a non-drinker a year after completing the film and went into substance-abuse recovery. He said that he and Jack Lemmon were heavy drinkers while making the film. [8] Edwards used the theme of alcohol abuse often in his films, including 10 (1979), Blind Date (1987) and Skin Deep (1989). Both Lemmon and Remick sought help from Alcoholics Anonymous long after they had completed the film. Lemmon revealed to James Lipton on Inside the Actors Studio his past drinking problems and his recovery. The film had a lasting effect in reinforcing the growing social acceptance of Alcoholics Anonymous. [9]

In the interview on Inside the Actors Studio, Lemmon stated that there was pressure by the studio to change the ending. To preserve the integrity of the movie, scenes were filmed in the same order as they appeared in the script, with the last scene filmed last. This is in contrast with the standard practice of filming different scenes together that take place in the same location, which reduces expenses, shortens the schedule, and aids with scheduling the actors' time on set. Immediately following the completion of filming, Lemmon left for Europe and remained out of communication so that the studio would be forced to release the movie without changing the story.

Release

The producers used the following tagline to market the film: "This, in its own terrifying way, is a love story."

The picture opened in the United States on December 26, 1962.

Home media

Warner Home Video released the film on video on February 9, 1983, as part of their "A Night At the Movies" series, featuring a Hearst Metrotone Newsreel; a Warner Bros. animated short; and a coming attractions trailer of films from 1962. [10] A LaserDisc was released in 1990. A DVD of the film was released on January 6, 2004, by Warner Home Video containing an extra commentary track by director Blake Edwards and an interview with Jack Lemmon. A Warner Archive Blu-ray was released on October 29, 2019.

Reception

Critical response

The film became one of Blake Edwards' better-regarded films, opening to praise from the critics and audiences alike. Bosley Crowther, film critic for The New York Times , wrote "[It] is a commanding picture, and it is extremely well played by Mr. Lemmon and Miss Remick, who spare themselves none of the shameful, painful scenes. But for all their brilliant performing and the taut direction of Blake Edwards, they do not bring two pitiful characters to complete and overpowering life." [11]

"Tube." at Variety liked the film, especially the acting and writing: "Miller's gruelling drama illustrates how the unquenchable lure of alcohol can supersede even love, and how marital communication cannot exist in a house divided by one-sided boozing ... Lemmon gives a dynamic and chilling performance. Scenes of his collapse, particularly in the violent ward, are brutally realistic and terrifying. Miss Remick, too, is effective, and there is solid featured work from Charles Bickford and Jack Klugman and a number of fine supporting performances." [3]

In a review of the DVD, critic Gary W. Tooze lauded Edwards' direction: "Blake Edwards's powerful adaptation of J.P. Miller's Playhouse 90 story, starring Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick in career performances, remains a variation in his body of work largely devoted to comedy... Lemmon is at his best and ditto for Remick in this harrowing tale of people consumed by their mutual addiction. This turns to an honest and heartbreaking portrayal of alcoholism as deftly done as any film I can remember." [12]

Margaret Parsons, film curator at the National Gallery of Art, stated "[The film] remains one of the most gut-wrenching dramas of alcohol-related ruin and recovery ever captured on film...and it's also one of the pioneering films of the genre." [13]

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 100% based on 14 reviews, with an average score of 8.80/10. [14]

Box office

Jack L. Warner claimed the film needed to earn theatrical rentals of 2.5 times its $2 million budget to become profitable. [1] It earned $4 million in rentals in the United States and Canada, [15] from a gross of $8.1 million, ranking it 14th among high-grossing films of the year. [2]

Awards and nominations

AwardCategoryNominee(s)ResultRef.
Academy Awards Best Actor Jack Lemmon Nominated [16]
[17]
Best Actress Lee Remick Nominated
Best Art Direction – Black-and-White Art Direction: Joseph C. Wright;
Set Decoration: George James Hopkins 		Nominated
Best Costume Design – Black-and-White Don Feld Nominated
Best Song "Days of Wine and Roses"
Music by Henry Mancini;
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer 		Won
British Academy Film Awards Best Film from any Source Nominated [18]
Best Foreign Actor Jack LemmonNominated
Best Foreign Actress Lee RemickNominated
Fotogramas de Plata Best Foreign PerformerJack LemmonWon
Golden Globe Awards Best Motion Picture – Drama Nominated [19]
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama Jack LemmonNominated
Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama Lee RemickNominated
Best Director – Motion Picture Blake Edwards Nominated
Grammy Awards Album of the Year (Other Than Classical) Days of Wine and Roses and Other TV Requests – Andy Williams Nominated [20]
Record of the Year "Days of Wine and Roses" – Henry ManciniWon
Song of the Year "Days of Wine and Roses" – Henry Mancini and Johnny MercerWon
Best Vocal Performance, Male "Days of Wine and Roses" – Andy WilliamsNominated
Best Background Arrangement (Behind Vocalist or Instrumentalist) "Days of Wine and Roses" – Henry ManciniWon
Laurel Awards Top DramaWon
Top Male Dramatic PerformanceJack LemmonWon
Top Female Dramatic PerformanceLee RemickWon
Top Male Supporting Performance Charles Bickford Nominated
Top Song"Days of Wine and Roses"
Music by Henry Mancini;
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer		Nominated
National Film Preservation Board National Film Registry Inducted [21]
San Sebastián International Film Festival OCIC AwardBlake EdwardsWon [lower-alpha 1]
Best Actor Jack LemmonWon
Best Actress Lee RemickWon
Sant Jordi Awards Best Performance in a Foreign FilmJack LemmonWon

Other Honors

Musical Adaptation

The musical adaptation based on the film and the original teleplay was produced by the Atlantic Theater Company in 2023, starring Kelli O'Hara as Kirsten and Brian d'Arcy James as Joe. [22] The musical has a book by Craig Lucas and music and lyrics by Adam Guettel, the same writing team behind The Light in the Piazza, and is directed by Michael Greif. It opened May 5, 2023, and closed on July 5 of the same year. The musical transferred to Broadway and opened on January 28, 2024 at Studio 54 and closed on March 31, 2024. [23]

Bill Withers was inspired by Days of Wine and Roses. Withers was watching it on television, and the doomed relationship at the film's center brought to mind a phrase: "Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone." [24] This led him to write "Ain't No Sunshine" in 1971.

The 15th episode of season 9 of the American television show "Cheers" is titled "Days of Wine and Neuroses" and features the character Rebecca Howe (Kirstie Alley) going through a tragicomic alcoholic binge while assessing her ambiguous feelings about a romantic relationship.

A sixth season episode titled "Wine and Roses" from the American crime drama series Better Call Saul is named after Days of Wine and Roses and features an instrumental version of the movie's title song. [25]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Tied with Kōzaburō Yoshimura for A Night to Remember.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Lemmon</span> American actor (1925–2001)

John Uhler Lemmon III was an American actor. Considered proficient in both dramatic and comic roles, Lemmon was known for his anxious, middle-class everyman screen persona in dramedy pictures. He received numerous accolades including two Academy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards. He received the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1988, the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1991, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 1996. The Guardian labeled him as "the most successful tragi-comedian of his age."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blake Edwards</span> American filmmaker (1922–2010)

Blake Edwards was an American film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henry Mancini</span> American film composer (1924–1994)

Henry Mancini was an American composer, conductor, arranger, pianist and flutist. Often cited as one of the greatest composers in the history of film, he won four Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and twenty Grammy Awards, plus a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995.

<i>Breakfast at Tiffanys</i> (film) 1961 film by Blake Edwards

Breakfast at Tiffany's is a 1961 American romantic comedy film directed by Blake Edwards from a screenplay by George Axelrod and based on the 1958 novella of the same name by Truman Capote. It stars Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen, Martin Balsam, and Mickey Rooney. In the film, Holly Golightly (Hepburn), a naïve, eccentric socialite meets Paul Varjak (Peppard), a struggling writer who moves into her apartment building.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barney Gumble</span> Fictional character from The Simpsons franchise

Barnard "Barney" Gumble is a recurring character in the American animated TV series The Simpsons. He is voiced by Dan Castellaneta and first appeared in the series premiere episode "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lee Remick</span> American actress (1935–1991)

Lee Ann Remick was an American actress and singer. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for the film Days of Wine and Roses (1962).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Piper Laurie</span> American actress (1932–2023)

Piper Laurie was an American actress. She is known for her roles in the films The Hustler (1961), Carrie (1976), and Children of a Lesser God (1986), and the miniseries The Thorn Birds (1983). She is also known for her performances as Kirsten Arnesen in the original TV production of "Days of Wine and Roses", and as Catherine Martell in the television series Twin Peaks.

<i>The Great Race</i> 1965 film by Blake Edwards

The Great Race is a 1965 American Technicolor epic slapstick comedy film directed by Blake Edwards, starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and Natalie Wood, written by Arthur A. Ross, and with music by Henry Mancini and cinematography by Russell Harlan. The supporting cast includes Peter Falk, Keenan Wynn, Arthur O'Connell and Vivian Vance. The movie cost US$12 million, making it the most expensive comedy film at the time. The story was inspired by the actual 1908 New York to Paris Race.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandy Alexander</span> Brandy-based cocktail of cognac and crème de cacao

A Brandy Alexander is a brandy-based dessert cocktail consisting of cognac, crème de cacao, and cream, that became popular during the early 20th century. It is a variation of an earlier, gin-based cocktail called simply an Alexander. The cocktail known as Alexander today may contain gin or brandy. Ice cream can be added for a "frozen Brandy Alexander".

<i>Blind Date</i> (1987 film) 1987 film by Blake Edwards

Blind Date is a 1987 American romantic comedy film directed by Blake Edwards and starring Bruce Willis and Kim Basinger. Blind Date earned mostly negative reviews from critics, but was a financial success and opened at number one at the box office.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charles Bickford</span> American actor (1891–1967)

Charles Ambrose Bickford was an American actor known for supporting roles. He was nominated three times for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for The Song of Bernadette (1943), The Farmer's Daughter (1947) and Johnny Belinda (1948). His other roles include Whirlpool (1950), A Star Is Born (1954) and The Big Country (1958).

"Days of Wine and D'oh'ses" is the eighteenth episode of the eleventh season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on April 9, 2000. In the episode, Barney realizes how much of a pathetic drunk he is after watching his birthday party video and decides to give up alcohol forever, which upsets his friend Homer. Meanwhile, Bart and Lisa work together to take a memorable photo for a new phone book cover contest.

Days of Wine and Roses may refer to:

<i>You Cant Run Away from It</i> 1956 film by Dick Powell

You Can't Run Away from It is a 1956 American musical comedy film directed and produced by Dick Powell and starring June Allyson and Jack Lemmon. The film is a remake of the 1934 Academy Award-winning film It Happened One Night. The supporting cast features Charles Bickford, Jim Backus, Stubby Kaye, Jack Albertson and Howard McNear. It Happened One Night had also been remade as a musical comedy in 1945 as Eve Knew Her Apples.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">JP Miller</span> American writer (1919–2001)

JamesPinckney Miller was an American writer whose pen name was "JP Miller". He was a leading playwright during the Golden Age of Television, receiving three Emmy nominations. A novelist and screenwriter, he was best known for Days of Wine and Roses, directed by John Frankenheimer for Playhouse 90 (1958) and later the 1962 film of the same name directed by Blake Edwards.

Days of Wine and Roses (<i>Playhouse 90</i>) 2nd episode of the 3rd season of Playhouse 90

"Days of Wine and Roses" was a 1958 American teleplay by JP Miller which dramatized the problems of alcoholism. John Frankenheimer directed the cast headed by Cliff Robertson, Piper Laurie and Charles Bickford.

The 17th British Academy Film Awards, given by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in 1964, honoured the best films of 1963.

<i>Crazy Heart</i> 2009 American film

Crazy Heart is a 2009 American drama film, written and directed by Scott Cooper in his feature directorial debut. Based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Thomas Cobb, the story was inspired by country singer Hank Thompson. Starring Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell, and Robert Duvall, the film follows an alcoholic country singer and songwriter who tries to turn his life around after beginning a relationship with a young journalist. Bridges, Farrell, and Duvall also sing in the film.

<i>Smashed</i> (film) 2012 film directed by James Ponsoldt

Smashed is a 2012 American drama film directed by James Ponsoldt, written by Ponsoldt and Susan Burke, and starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Aaron Paul. Winstead and Paul play a married couple, Kate and Charlie Hannah, both alcoholics. After a series of embarrassing incidents caused by her drinking habit, Kate decides to get sober with the help of a coworker and a sponsor from Alcoholics Anonymous.

<i>Days of Wine and Roses</i> (musical) 2023 musical based on the 1962 film

Days of Wine and Roses is a 2023 stage musical with music and lyrics by Adam Guettel and a book by Craig Lucas, adapted from the 1962 film and 1958 teleplay of the same name.

References

  1. 1 2 Arneel, Gene (June 13, 1962). "Star Salaries and Profit Hurdles; Can the Actor Pull 2.3 Times Pay?". Variety . p. 1.
  2. 1 2 "Box Office Information for Days of Wine and Roses". The Numbers. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  3. 1 2 Tube. (December 5, 1962). "Film Reviews: Days of Wine and Roses". Variety . p. 11. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  4. ↑ "National Film Registry Turns 30". Library of Congress. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  5. ↑ "Complete National Film Registry Listing". Library of Congress. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  6. ↑ Loveridge, Charlotte. Curtain Up, theater review, February 24, 1995.
  7. ↑ Holm, D.K. DVD Journal. Last accessed: December 25, 2007
  8. ↑ Days of Wine and Roses, DVD commentary by Blake Edwards.
  9. ↑ Blocker, Jack S.; Fahey, David M.; Tyrrell, Ian R. (2003). Alcohol and Temperance in Modern History: An International Encyclopedia. Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC-CLIO. p. vol. 1, p. 29. ISBN   1-57607-833-7 . Retrieved June 17, 2016.
  10. ↑ "Warner Home Vid Adds New Titles". Daily Variety . December 28, 1982. p. 2.
  11. ↑ Crowther, Bosley (January 18, 1963). "Screen: 'Days of Wine and Roses'". The New York Times .
  12. ↑ Tooze, Gary W. DVD Beaver, DVD review of film Days of Wine and Roses. Last accessed: December 25, 2007.
  13. ↑ Parsons, Margaret Archived December 29, 2006, at the Wayback Machine . Recovery Month, July 11, 2005.
  14. ↑ Days of Wine and Roses at Rotten Tomatoes. Last accessed: March 18, 2022.
  15. ↑ "All-Time Top Grossers". Variety . January 8, 1964. p. 69.
  16. ↑ "The 35th Academy Awards (1963) Nominees and Winners". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. October 5, 2014. Retrieved May 12, 2016.
  17. ↑ "NY Times: Days of Wine and Roses". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times . 2012. Archived from the original on October 18, 2012. Retrieved December 24, 2008.
  18. ↑ "BAFTA Awards: Film in 1964". British Academy Film Awards . Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Days of Wine and Roses". Golden Globe Awards . Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  20. ↑ "6th Annual GRAMMY Awards". Grammy Awards . Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Complete National Film Registry Listing". Library of Congress . Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  22. ↑ Culwell-Block, Logan (January 20, 2023). "Kelli O'Hara and Brian d'Arcy James Will Co-Star in New Adam Guettel Musical Days of Wine and Roses". Playbill.com.
  23. ↑ Culwel-Block, Logan (January 28, 2024). "Days of Wine and Roses Opens on Broadway January 28". Playbill.com.
  24. ↑ Greene, Andy (April 14, 2015). "Bill Withers: The Soul Man Who Walked Away". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  25. ↑ Hanafy, Salma (August 16, 2023). "The Best Movie References in 'Better Call Saul'". Screen Speck. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.