Cast and Crew: Charles R. Jackson (Original Novel); Edith Head (Costumes); Jane Wyman

What It’s About: Don Birnham (Ray Milland) is an alcoholic.  After ten days on the wagon, his brother Wick (Phillip Terry) leaves him alone for the weekend-and he goes on a four-day bender, which will be his last-one way or the other.

Why Watch it Today?: Today is the Feast of St. Matthias, who is, among other things, the patron saint of alcoholics.  There have been many films that took unflinching looks at alcoholism, but The Lost Weekend is one of the first, and unusually candid for its time.  The Lost Weekend is also a simply good film, winning Best Director (Billy Wilder), Best Picture, Best Actor for Milland,  and Best Writing, Screenplay for Wilder and Charles Brackett, as well as nominations for Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Music.  

Where to Get It:  Libraries, Netflix (Rental only), TCM (10pm on 2/28) or Amazon.

The Trailer: