THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE

1948 *** 109 mins.

The characters are exuberantly fun and the scenarios are often hilarious, but they grow very old very quick in this overlong comedy/drama based on the play by William Saroyan. James Cagney plays boring yet fun guy who sits in the same chair in the same bar day after day offering his advice to anyone who talks to him. The play won the Pulitzer Prize, but the film is far from perfection. It's good for a few good laughs and a few good meanings, but not for superb entertainment.
Not rated.