Days of Wine and Roses (1962)

Last updated:
August 28, 2025

Days of Wine and Roses (1962), directed by Blake Edwards, is one of the most powerful and devastating explorations of alcoholism ever put on screen. With Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick delivering some of their finest performances, the film combines romance, tragedy, and stark realism.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Boy Meets Girl: The Start of a Romance

The story begins when Joe Clay (Jack Lemmon), a charming public relations man, meets Kirsten Arnesen (Lee Remick), a secretary. Joe introduces Kirsten—who previously only enjoyed chocolate—to the “joys” of alcohol. Their romance blossoms quickly, fueled by the fun-loving, carefree lifestyle they share.

Marriage and Early Bliss

They marry and have a daughter, and for a while, their life seems idyllic. But alcohol remains a constant companion. What begins as light drinking soon turns into dependency, and cracks start to show in their relationship.

The Spiral of Addiction

Both Joe and Kirsten increasingly rely on alcohol, and their once-happy marriage is consumed by fights, financial trouble, and personal failures. Joe loses jobs due to drinking, while Kirsten becomes more and more dependent. Their addiction drives them into destructive behavior—lying, stealing, and neglecting their daughter.

Rock Bottom

In a harrowing sequence, Joe lands in a psychiatric ward after nearly killing himself while drunk. Meanwhile, Kirsten continues drinking, unable to stop. The stark portrayal of the disease makes clear that their life together is unraveling beyond repair.

Movie Ending

The ending of Days of Wine and Roses is unforgettable and devastating. Joe manages to sober up with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous and begins rebuilding his life, including caring for their daughter. He pleads with Kirsten to get help, but she refuses. In one of the most gut-wrenching moments, she walks away into the night, still in denial, leaving Joe heartbroken but resolute in his decision to stay sober. The film closes with Joe standing at the window, watching Kirsten vanish—an ending that drives home the tragic cost of addiction and the painful reality that love alone cannot save someone who isn’t ready to change.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, there are no post-credits scenes. The film ends definitively with Joe’s lonely vigil at the window.

Type of Movie

The film is a romantic drama with strong elements of psychological realism and social commentary. It fits squarely into the tradition of mid-century dramas that confront taboo subjects head-on.

Cast

Jack Lemmon as Joe Clay
Lee Remick as Kirsten Arnesen Clay
Charles Bickford as Ellis Arnesen (Kirsten’s father)
Jack Klugman as Jim Hungerford (Joe’s AA sponsor)

Film Music and Composer

The haunting score was composed by Henry Mancini, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. The title song, “Days of Wine and Roses,” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and has since become a jazz and pop standard. Its melancholy tone perfectly mirrors the film’s tragic narrative.

Filming Locations

Most of the film was shot in San Francisco, California, which provides a poignant backdrop to the story. The city’s natural beauty contrasts sharply with the characters’ descent into alcoholism, highlighting the tension between outward appearances and inner turmoil.

Awards and Nominations

Academy Award for Best Original Song – Won (“Days of Wine and Roses”)
Nominated for four other Oscars, including Best Actor (Jack Lemmon) and Best Actress (Lee Remick)
Golden Globe nominations for acting and directing
The film was widely acclaimed for its raw and honest depiction of addiction.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Jack Lemmon considered this one of the most challenging roles of his career.
Lee Remick reportedly prepared for her role by speaking with women in Alcoholics Anonymous.
Director Blake Edwards, himself battling alcoholism later in life, called the film one of his most personal works.
The film was groundbreaking for its time, as alcoholism was still considered taboo in mainstream cinema.

Inspirations and References

The movie is based on JP Miller’s 1958 teleplay of the same name, which aired on Playhouse 90. The success of the television drama led to the feature film adaptation, with Miller also writing the screenplay.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There is no official alternate ending, but Blake Edwards later mentioned that he originally wanted an even darker conclusion. However, the final ending—Kirsten walking away—remains one of the most hauntingly effective finales in cinema.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The story originated as a teleplay rather than a book, but subsequent adaptations (including stage versions) usually remain faithful to the film. The movie expands the scope of the original teleplay, adding more depth to Joe and Kirsten’s domestic life.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Joe introducing Kirsten to alcohol for the first time.
The greenhouse scene where Joe destroys Kirsten’s plants in a drunken rage.
Joe in the psychiatric ward, trembling and desperate.
The final heartbreaking goodbye scene between Joe and Kirsten.

Iconic Quotes

Joe Clay: “One is too many, and a thousand is never enough.”
Jim Hungerford: “There’s a lot of hope if you don’t expect too much.”
Kirsten Arnesen Clay: “I want one more drink, Joe. Just one more.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The film’s title comes from a 1896 poem by Ernest Dowson: “They are not long, the days of wine and roses.”
Henry Mancini’s theme song became more famous than the film itself, recorded by countless artists including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Andy Williams.
The use of real AA meeting dialogue was groundbreaking for its time.

Trivia

Jack Lemmon was so moved by the script that he insisted on taking the role despite its grim nature.
Blake Edwards himself later joined Alcoholics Anonymous, saying the film helped him face his own issues.
The film is often cited by treatment centers and recovery groups as a realistic portrayal of alcoholism.

Why Watch?

Because it’s not just a film—it’s an emotional journey. Days of Wine and Roses combines love, tragedy, and redemption in a way that feels both timeless and painfully real. It’s a must-watch for anyone who appreciates honest storytelling and unforgettable performances.

Days of Wine and Roses (1962)