Days of Wine and Roses

Edwards's direction was smooth and neither he nor Miller ever took a stance or moralized. They just showed what it was like to be an alcoholic in the 1960s and let the audience draw its own conclusions. Read full review

The second half occasionally descends into melodrama, but for the most part this is bleak, non-judgemental, riveting stuff. Read full review

The couple's battle to get off the bottle is harrowingly chronicled, so much so that you almost forget it's a Blake Edwards picture - his best by some margin, with a touching score by Henry Mancini. Read full review

Edwards's attention to detail pays off; while this isn't his best film, it is far superior to most problem dramas of the early 60s. Read full review

Withering study of white-collar alcoholics. Read full review

Miller’s gruelling drama illustrates how the unquenchable lure of alcohol can supersede even love, and how marital communication cannot exist in a house divided by one-sided boozing. Read full review

It is a commanding picture, and it is extremely well played by Mr. Lemmon and Miss Remick, who spare themselves none of the shameful, painful scenes. But for all their brilliant performing and the taut direction of Blake Edwards, they do not bring two pitiful characters to complete and overpowering life. [18 Jan 1963, p.7]