This Is the Life (1944): cast, story & where to watch
1944 · Film
Released in 1944, This Is the Life is a comedy, drama and music film directed by Felix E. Feist, running about 87 minutes. “YEAH! That "Top Man" threesome is glee-some again! in Leap Year's leapin'est love meet” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. 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.
Who’s in it. This Is the Life stars Donald O'Connor as Jimmy Plum, Susanna Foster as Angela Rutherford, Peggy Ryan as Sally McGuire and Louise Allbritton as Harriet West Jarrett, among others.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch This Is the Life page.
If you liked it. Fans of This Is the Life tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch This Is the Life (1944)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for This Is the Life change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Who stars in This Is the Life?
- This Is the Life stars Donald O'Connor, Susanna Foster, Peggy Ryan, Louise Allbritton and Patric Knowles.
- When was This Is the Life released?
- This Is the Life was released in 1944, with a runtime of about 87 minutes.