Ray Milland delivers a powerfully affecting work in this story loosely based on Jackson’s own experiences, portraying writer Charles R. Jackson – referred to as "Don Birnam" – whose writing career is repeatedly undermined by his serious struggles with alcohol. It seems like he might be making progress toward sobriety, but then his dependence intensifies, leading him to spend ten dollars earmarked for the housekeeper and embark on a significant drinking spree that plunges him into such deep unhappiness that it strips away any sense of responsibility or reason, leaving him as a disheartening figure who is reduced to begging and pleading for another drink. Milland’s performance was certainly worthy of the Academy Award he received, although he's supported by solid performances from his brother Phillip Terry and Jane Wyman, both attempting to prevent him from destroying himself. Billy Wilder offers an intense look at the personal battle a man faces when he loses control – particularly effective are the moments showing him searching for a pawnshop that’s open on Yom Kippur, which really illustrate how far he has fallen - and Miklós Rósza contributes a strikingly somber musical score to amplify the overall atmosphere. It's an excellent film.

Source on TMDB