I Want to Live!

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I Want to Live!

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I Want to Live!

Phillip Coolidge, Simon Oakland, Susan Hayward, Theodore Bikel, Virginia Vincent, Wesley Lau

Susan Hayward won an Academy AwardŽ for her performance in the compelling 1958 classic I Want to Live! Hayward plays Barbara Graham, a "good-time girl" with a heart of gold and absolutely no in...( read more  read more... )stincts about when to drop a bad association. After bouncing in and out of the prison system for a series of petty crimes, Graham suddenly finds herself framed for murder and facing the death penalty. Hayward is simply marvelous, giving a wrenching, complex performance without ever becoming maudlin. Director Robert Wise ratchets the tension up to a nearly unbearable level, making Barbara's moments of hope as agonizing as those of her despair. The film is based on the story of the real-life Barbara Graham, taken from her letters and interviews with reporter Ed Montgomery. Montgomery himself appears as a character, and the film is surprisingly evenhanded about condemning his own role in Graham's conviction. This is definitely a must-see for Hayward fans. --Ali Davis

Id: 10904479

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I Want to Live! Recent Reviews
  • flixsterman
    September 13, 2009
    flixsterman
    Great films distinguish themselves in a number of different ways. Some of them are perfectly cast. Others have tremendous cinematography. Still others may have great scripting, direction or editing. I Want to Live stands out for one reason, Susan Hayward's performance....( read more)

    Hayward shines in this true story about a woman convicted of murder and sentenced to die in California's gas chamber. There are numerous supporting characters in this dramatization but it's Susan Hayward's heart-wrenching portrayal that will haunt you even after the credits roll.
  • brooklynspo
    February 7, 2008
    brooklynspo
    Right up there with Suddenly Last Summer for Scenery Chewing Performance By An Actress. Still a very watchable flick.
  • SageSlowdive
    October 6, 2009
    SageSlowdive
    Pretty good drama and Hayward is fantastic.
  • latinorick71
    April 18, 2009
    latinorick71
    although it is dated, Susan Haywards greatest movie role (she won an oscar) very daring for its time.
  • dasns
    January 29, 2009
    dasns
    Outstanding performance
  • BeatlesRockFan
    January 27, 2009
    BeatlesRockFan
    Ali Davis, writer of the plot synopsis for this movie, says it best. "Director Robert Wise ratchets the tension up to a nearly unbearable level, making Barbara's moments of hope as agonizing as those of her despair."

    Based on the true story of Barbara Graham, this film is in...( read more)tense and emotional- extremely gripping. Susan Hawyward does an outstanding job. A very interesting movie, and as I have implied above- one that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat!
  • wildandcrazygal
    January 18, 2009
    wildandcrazygal
    Susan Hayward, Best Actress, 1958, as "Barbara Graham" in "I Want To Live!".
  • sepio41
    November 6, 2008
    sepio41
    hayward captured the 1958 best actress oscar for her star turn as barbara graham. graham was one of a few women that went to the gas chamber. and this film, as directed by robert wise, hints strongly that she was not guilty.
  • abricru
    April 2, 2008
    abricru
    Susan richly deserved the Oscar. Great performance, but I can't watch the movie often, because it is so intense and sad.
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