A searing portrait of alcoholism. I haven't ever seen a movie quite like this. An unsparing, brutal look at middle-class alcoholism and it's effects on life, job, loved ones, health, etc.
David Janssen plays an Aerospace Engineer who loses his job. He, obviously, gains his self-worth from his job, and now, he is pretty much adrift. He treats his pain with old reliable, alcohol. This time, however, he has no career to prop him up. His slow sink into alcohol devastation is played out slowly and painfully. The effect on his wife (Angie Dickinson) and his kids is heartbreaking, and very difficult to watch.
This is a movie with no happy endings, but is a fascinating and honest (for its day) look at the ugly, underside of alcoholism.
Remarkable performances by Janssen and Dickinson. An overlooked gem.
