EASY LIVING
US, 1949, 77 minutes, Black and white.
Victor Mature, Lucille Ball, Lizabeth Scott, Sonny Tufts, Lloyd Nolan, Paul Stewart.
Directed by Jacques Tourneur.
Easy Living is a sports melodrama based on a novel by Irwin Shaw (Rich Man, Poor Man) 'Education of the Heart'. It has a strong cast. It was directed by Jacques Tourneur, who had made a number of successful horror films in the early '40s and was to make a number of western dramas. Of interest Jim Backus appears in the film as a doctor, billed as James Backus.
1. An entertaining American sports story? Football? Success? The world of affluence and fashion? A melodrama of health and self-sacrifice?
2. Black and white photography, the atmosphere of football, high life? Musical score? The strong cast?
3. The title of the novel? Application to Pete Wilson? To Liza? The film's title, and its reference to Pete's success at sport, Liza's ambitions?
4. The focus on Pete Wilson? Victor Mature's presence and style? A success in sport? Indication of his illness? The visit to Tim and Penny? His work with the team, sports practice, journalists? Lanihan and his pressure? Anne and her tough style? His growing injuries, health, visit to the doctor and knowledge of the truth? His dilemmas about his career? His love for Liza, her self-preoccupation, interior decorating, fashionable clients, social whirl, parties? His growing suspicions and taking it out on her? Antagonism towards Tim? Future prospects? His being superseded by Tim? Drinking and-Anne's support? The clash with Liza and the separation? His decision to play? His facing the truth and telling the team - and their reaction? Liza's presence at the game, his violence with her? Future?
5. Liza and her marriage, wanting success, her disregard and rudeness for the sacked player, fashion, dresses, Gilbert and his father, his patronage, his hold over her? The contrast with the actress and her patronage, her sulking? Her lack of talent, ambition? Her not wanting to hear bad things from Pete? The separation? Her return to the football match? her reaction to his violent treatment? A future together?
6. Lanihan and his running of the team, sternness, success? Pressure on Pete, showing him the films? Acceptance of his decision? Tim and his friendship, the new job, working together?
7. Anne and her wisecracking, her experience of marriage, help from Lanihan, talking to Pete pouring out her heart, helping him when drunk, telling the truth, her being a good friend?
8. The background of the press, Argus and his photos and articles? The importance of advertising?
9. The world of wealth and fashion, Gilbert, his father's sinister hold over Liza, helping her, the suicide of the actress, Liza's violent reaction and his walking out?
10. Familiarity with American football? The universal themes of the sportsman, integrity, decision-making?
