I'll Cry Tomorrow (1955)

77% of users liked it
(350 ratings)

Susan Hayward pulls out all the stops, and then some, in this cinemadaptation of singer Lillian Roth's autobiography I'll Cry Tomorrow. In as harshly realistic a manner as possible in the still censor-dominated Hollywood of 1955, the film recounts Roth's rise to fame, her precipitous fall and her… More Susan Hayward pulls out all the stops, and then some, in this cinemadaptation of singer Lillian Roth's autobiography I'll Cry Tomorrow. In as harshly realistic a manner as possible in the still censor-dominated Hollywood of 1955, the film recounts Roth's rise to fame, her precipitous fall and her tearful comeback. The fact that Roth loves not wisely but too well is only part of the problem (only two of her eight husbands are portrayed in the film); contributing factors to her self-destruction also included her witchlike "stage mother" (Jo Van Fleet) and the pressures of fame and fortune. The principal reason for Roth's fall from the height of fame to the depths of squalor and despair is booze -- at least until she begins to pull herself together with the help of Alcoholics-Anonymous representative Burt McGuire (Eddie Albert). The story concludes with a testimonial staged in Roth's honor on the TV series This is Your Life (the original of which still exists in kinescope form). Having been personally coached by the real Lillian Roth, Susan Hayward does an excellent job of copying the singer's unique style. Though Hayward did not win an Oscar for her performance, she did cop the "Best Actress" prize at the Cannes Film Festival. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 59 min.
Directed By: Daniel Mann
Written By: Helen Deutsch, Jay Richard Kennedy
Genres: Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1955 Wide
On DVD: Nov 6, 2007
Studio: MGM Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Dan Callahan, Slant Magazine
A prime object of study for Susan Hayward scholars.
Dan Callahan, Slant Magazine
In the '40s, Hayward had a distinctive and rather bitchy sex appeal and clear hunger for stardom that gave way in the '50s to a weary but still authoritative command of frank self-pity and tough-broad defiance.
Lori Hoffman, Atlantic City Weekly
We always love Susan Hayward
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Apelando vez por outra para o melodrama, o filme resiste ao tempo graças à performance corajosa de Susan Hayward e à forma realista com que retrata o drama do alcoolismo.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Randy T

1950's bio-pic about the rise and fall (and rise) of actress/singer Lillian Roth. A melodramatic take on alcoholism that rivals <i>The Lost Weekend</i>. Okay, there were a few moments when the sap was thick enough to draw flies, but overall one hell of a… More
1950's bio-pic about the rise and fall (and rise) of actress/singer Lillian Roth. A melodramatic take on alcoholism that rivals <i>The Lost Weekend</i>. Okay, there were a few moments when the sap was thick enough to draw flies, but overall one hell of a performance from the vivacious Miss H. A must-see for Susan Hayward fans of all ages.
jay n

Sad story but Susan Hayward's powerhouse performance holds you from beginning to end.

Cast

            Susan Hayward as Lillian Roth

            Richard Conte as Tony Bardeman

            Eddie Albert as Burt McGuire

            Jo Van Fleet as Katie Roth

            Don Taylor as Wallie

            Margo as Selma

            Ray Danton as David Tredman

            Virginia Gregg as Ellen

            David Kasday as David as a child

            Carole Ann Campbell as Lillian (younger)

            Peter Leeds as Richard

            Tol Avery as Fat Man

            Patty Duke
            
            Don 'Red' Barry as Jerry

            Mary Bear as Couple

            Veda Ann Borg as Waitress

            Peter Brocco as Doctor

            Budd Buster as Switchman

            Timothy Carey as Derelict

            Jack Daley as Cab Driver

            Bob Dix as Henry

            Ralph Edwards as Himself

            Anita Ekberg as Bit: Performer

            Stanley Farrar as Director

            Gail Ganley as Lillian at 15

            Jack Gargan as Drug Clerk

            Ben Gazzara as Bit: Card Player

            Bob Hopkins as M C

            Anthony Jochim as Paul the Butler

            Henry Kulky
            
            George Lloyd as Messenger

            Nora Marlowe as Nurse

            Eve McVeagh as Ethel

            Cheerio Meredith as Elderly lady

            James Ogg as Usher

            Kenneth Patterson
            
            George Pembroke
            
            Voltaire Perkins as Mr. Byrd

            Vernon Rich as Club manager

            Bob Stephenson
            
            Ruth Storey as Marge Belney

            Charles Tannen as Stage Manager

            David Tredman as Ray Danton

            Robert Vaughn as Bit: Photographer

            Harlan Warde as Stage Manager

            Guy Wilkerson as Man

            Robert B. Williams as Stagehand

            John Cassavetes as Bit: Card Player

            Vittorio De Sica as Bit: Shoemaker

            Donovan as Bit: Singer

            Marc Krah
            
            Kay English as Dress designer

            Herbert C. Lytton as Conductor

            Joe Duval as Bartender
See full cast