The 1962 film Days of Wine and Roses, which depicts the downward spiral of two average Americans who succumb to alcoholism and attempt to deal with their problems, actually had quite the impact on it's director Blake Edwards and star Jack Lemmon. Edwards had been quoted where he admitted him and Lemmon were heavy drinkers while making the film. After completing the film, both Lemmon and co-star Lee Remick sought help from Alcoholics Anonymous long after they had completed the film while Edwards was confirmed to be a non-drinker a year after the film was done. Lemmon didn't reveal his past drinking problems and recovery until years later when he was interviewed by James Lipton on Inside the Actors Studio. Even still, the film had a lasting effect in reinforcing the growing social acceptance of Alcoholics Anonymous. A dark film, no doubt, but a reminder how film can help real world situations by depicting realities in a conventional way. Stay tuned!
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