This Is the Life Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for This Is the Life.
This Is the Life Ending Explained: At his father’s insistence Billy Drake heads to the family’s South American ammunition company as an emissary. Directed by Raoul Walsh, this 1917 comedy film stars George Walsh (Billy Drake), alongside Wanda Hawley as The Girl, James A. Marcus as John T. Drake, Ralph Lewis as Count Herman von Nuttenberg. Rated 0/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of This Is the Life?
At his father’s insistence Billy Drake heads to the family’s South American ammunition company as an emissary. Before leaving, however, the movie-struck Billy spots a beautiful woman standing in front of a theater and imagines that she is a film star. To his delight, he finds the woman on board his ship, as well as political agitator Count Von Nuttenburg who has stolen a movie camera, thinking that it is a new brand of machine gun. Von Nuttenburg shows the camera to Billy. Thinking the Count is a director, and the ship a set for a movie melodrama when the boat lands at a port torn by revolution, Billy insists that the guns and soldiers are part of the show. Not until he and the girl are seized by the rebels and threatened with death, does he admit his error. By a clever ruse, he escapes from his captors and with the help of Federal troops defeats the Count and wins the heart of his pretty shipmate.
Raoul Walsh's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on George Walsh (Billy Drake)'s journey. Before leaving, however, the movie-struck Billy spots a beautiful woman standing in front of a theater and imagines that she is a film star.
How Does George Walsh (Billy Drake)'s Story End?
- George Walsh: George Walsh's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Wanda Hawley (The Girl): Wanda Hawley's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- James A. Marcus (John T. Drake): James A. Marcus's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of This Is the Life Mean?
The ending of This Is the Life brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of George Walsh's story may not satisfy all audiences.