This Is the Life Ending Explained: What Really Happened?

This Is the Life Ending Explained: 18-year-old Angela, reared in a New England town by her Aunt Betsy, receives an inheritance which she uses to go to New York, ostensibly for voice training, but she is pursuing Major Hilary Jarret, an Army surgeon with whom she has become infatuated. Directed by Felix E. Feist, this 1944 comedy film stars Donald O'Connor (Jimmy Plum), alongside Susanna Foster as Angela Rutherford, Peggy Ryan as Sally McGuire, Louise Allbritton as Harriet West Jarrett. With a 6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of This Is the Life?

18-year-old Angela, reared in a New England town by her Aunt Betsy, receives an inheritance which she uses to go to New York, ostensibly for voice training, but she is pursuing Major Hilary Jarret, an Army surgeon with whom she has become infatuated. Her departure depresses her childhood friend Jimmy Plum. Dr. Plum devises an errand on which to send his love-sick son to New York, where Jimmy discovers Angela thinks she is Jarret's fiancée. Jimmy also renews acquaintances with a group of show people, including Sally McGuire, who attempts to console him. Jimmy meets Jarret's divorced wife, Harriet, famed photographer. Jimmy engineers a meeting of Jarret and Harriet with Angela present, which forms the beginning of an understanding that Jarret is not for her. Jimmy is inducted into the Army.

Felix E. Feist's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Donald O'Connor (Jimmy Plum)'s journey. Her departure depresses her childhood friend Jimmy Plum.

How Does Donald O'Connor (Jimmy Plum)'s Story End?

Donald O'Connor: Donald O'Connor's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
Susanna Foster (Angela Rutherford): Susanna Foster's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
Peggy Ryan (Sally McGuire): Peggy Ryan's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of This Is the Life Mean?

This Is the Life's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Donald O'Connor may feel rushed. Felix E. Feist's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.