In this addiction melodrama, Joe Clay (
Jack Lemmon), a promising adman, meet his future wife Kirsten (
Lee Remick) at a party. Once married, the pressures of his business lead Joe to seek solace in liquor. Kirsten joins him in his nocturnal drinking sessions, and before long both are confirmed alcoholics. After several frightening episodes, Joe is able to shake the habit thanks to AA, but Kirsten finds it impossible to get through the day without liquor. The two split up, although Joe clings to the hope that someday he and Kirsten will be reunited, if for no reason other than the sake of their young daughter. J.P. Miller adapted the screenplay from his own 1958
Playhouse 90 television script. Though nominated in several categories, Days of Wine and Roses won only the Best Song Oscar for
Henry Mancini's title tune. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide