This Is the Life Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: This Is the Life
| Movie | This Is the Life |
| Release Year | 1944 |
| Director | Felix E. Feist |
| Genre | Comedy / Drama |
| Runtime | 87 minutes (1h 27m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is This Is the Life (1944) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in This Is the Life are led by Donald O'Connor . The supporting cast, including Susanna Foster and Peggy Ryan , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While This Is the Life does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, This Is the Life has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: This Is the Life
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1944, This Is the Life is a Comedy, Drama film directed by Felix E. Feist, written by Wanda Tuchock. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Donald O'Connor as Jimmy Plum.
Ending Explained: This Is the Life
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.
This Is the Life Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is This Is the Life Based on a True Story?
No, This Is the Life is a work of fiction. While the comedy, drama film directed by Felix E. Feist and starring Donald O'Connor may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch This Is the Life?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Donald O'Connor or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
At just 87 minutes, it's a quick watch.
This Is the Life Parents Guide & Age Rating
1944 AdvisoryWondering about This Is the Life age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of This Is the Life (1944) is 87 minutes (1h 27m). Directed by Felix E. Feist, the film runs for 87 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, This Is the Life is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1944 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Is the Life worth watching?
This Is the Life is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find This Is the Life parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for This Is the Life identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of This Is the Life (1944)?
The runtime of This Is the Life (1944) is 87 minutes (approximately 1h 27m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
