Watch A Rage to Live

A Rage to Live is a 1965 drama film directed by Walter Grauman and starring Suzanne Pleshette, Bradford Dillman, and Ben Gazzara. Based on the novel of the same name by John O'Hara, the movie follows the life of Grace Caldwell (Pleshette), a wealthy and beautiful woman who can't seem to resist temptation, and whose exploits scandalize the small Pennsylvania town where she lives.

The film opens with Grace's wedding to the handsome and wealthy Sidney Tate (Dillman). Despite being married to a man who adores her, Grace can't help but feel unfulfilled and restless. Her discontent is further fueled by the arrival of the charming and enigmatic Charlie Jay (Gazzara), who quickly becomes infatuated with her.

As Grace embarks on a ionate affair with Charlie, she begins to spiral out of control. Her behavior becomes increasingly reckless as she becomes more and more obsessed with him. Her friends and family watch in horror as her reputation and standing in the community are ruined by her scandalous behavior.

Throughout the film, the characters struggle with their own desires and their attempts to suppress them in order to conform to societal norms. Sidney, in particular, struggles with his desire for Grace and his awareness that as her husband, he is powerless to stop her from self-destructing.

A Rage to Live is a powerful exploration of the consequences of giving into temptation and the societal expectations that often force people to suppress their own desires. The film's stark black-and-white cinematography emphasizes the bleakness of the characters' lives and their futile attempts to find happiness within the confines of their small town.

The performances by the three leads are outstanding, with Pleshette delivering a stunning portrayal of a woman whose desire for love and excitement ultimately leads to her downfall. Dillman is equally impressive as the conflicted Sidney, who struggles to reconcile his love for Grace with his knowledge that she is destroying herself.

Gazzara, a veteran of many classic films, is magnetic as the mysterious and seductive Charlie. He brings a sense of danger and unpredictability to the character that makes it clear why Grace finds him so irresistible.

Overall, A Rage to Live is a gripping and thought-provoking drama that explores the complex nature of love, desire, and social norms. While it may be a product of its time, the themes it explores are still relevant today, making it a timeless classic that deserves to be seen by a new generation of moviegoers.