Amazon.com: Susan Hayward won an Academy Award® 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 instincts 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
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - A Virtuoso Performance By A Legend!
Susan Hayward won the Academy Award in 1958 for her performance of a woman on death row. Probably the best thing Hayward ever did, one gets the sense that her character is wrongly accused of murder. The ... Read More
Rating: - Susan is unforgettable
I Want to Live is an excellent example of how the press can influence people. Barbara Graham got in with the wrong crowd and they were quite willing to let her take all the blame. The truth comes too late. ... Read More
Rating: - I want to live
I had seen this movie years ago and was not disappointed watching it again. The company sent the product in excellent condition and in a timely manner. I would not hesitate ordering from this distributor ... Read More
Rating: - sucker for oldies
I remember watching this with my Mom (now deceased) and how strong a movie it was for the age I was at. I had not seen it since and I do buy alot of old movies besides new, very versatile mix, but Susan Hayward ... Read More
Rating: - Unforgettable Susan Hayward.... and Robert Wise
Susan Hayward was and still remains one of the most enduring Hollywood actresses of her era.
In "I want to live" she is no less than extraordinary, extremely moving,irritating,horrible,beautiful..... ... Read More
- A Virtuoso Performance By A Legend!
- I want to live