This is Your Life: Lillian Roth (1953) Rare Kinescope, Remastered by SabuCat

[@sandy3482]

Miss Roth was a beautiful and talented movie star and boy could she belt out a song

[@susanc6350]

I just finished Lillian’s book this evening “I’ll Cry Tomorrow “. As a recovering alcoholic diagnosed with cirrhosis I’ve been sober since my diagnosis 6/14/2019. I’m doing well. Bless you Lillian and “May you Rest In Peace and Rise Glory “. Your book was a brutally honest read of her struggles with the Hell of alcoholism. Love Susan❤

[@mymentorjane6705]

God bless you!

[@susanc6350]

Thank You for your kind support. I really appreciate you 💕

[@mymentorjane6705]

I know what it's like and I'm also taking it a day at a time. @@susanc6350

[@69realstar2]

Talk about a trail blazer..and real inspiration..

[@anital5020]

So sad that people have drugs and alcohol disrupt and for many ruin their lives completely. Ms. Roth was beautiful and talented and probably would have become a household name had alcohol not come into her life. She may have been a household name in her day. I watched the movie with Susan Hayward with my mother when I was a child and have watched it many times since that first time. This is the first day I decided to get on KZbin to see if I would find clips of Ms. Roth. I have found her to be a beautiful, delightful lady. She put her story out there in hopes of helping others. I imagine she did help many. Some may have been those who dealt with alcoholics in their family and didn't completely understand the illness My step grandfather was an alcoholic and my mother explained how it is an illness. I was never interested in drugs and alcohol probably because of mom's influence. Ms. Roth was very brave to tell the public about her true life.

[@barbaracastelli9695]

Fast forward, a interview, Lillian Roth was 67 years old and she shared about her last marriage with Burt McGuire 1947 - 1963 divorced. He ran off with all her money and she was completely broke and shocked. She did relapse on alcohol and didn't last, she became sober again. She died at the age of 69 years old of a stroke in 1980. She never remarried after Burt. What a beautiful soul she was and such a beautiful powerhouse voice.

[@brookegoslin]

Evil husband very cruel .

[@January.]

*an interview

[@markp5762]

Sounds like "ole" Burt the bastard didn't work the steps to well. He eye's looked a little off there (Like he was nuts).

[@MyRedPoppy]

This show is despicable. Highlighting someone's misfortune for entertainment

[@yeahi7270]

GRAND KID

[@jasbegs1258]

Lilian looks fabulous - really hip - great modern hair do and look - dazzlng.

[@January.]

*Lillian *hairdo *looks

[@davidrutter9786]

What a realistic interview in a time when suppression of feelings & problems were never discussed. Lillian had a lot of guts to be interviewed on this popular TV show exposing her tortured life. Her biographical movie with Susan Hayward was great, but sanitized, like so many biographical movies. Her story should be made again, with the honest truth, which would make a gritty real life drama. I want to read her autobiography I'll Cry Tomorrow! A great entertainer of an left to history & memories.

[@jamesfox2579]

The One and ONLY ' Lillian Roth!💕

[@allenwayne2033]

Wow! this beautiful woman was truly impressive and gutsy!! Agreeing to do this show if it will help others, in 1953!!! What a pure heart this woman had! Very moving!

[@allangrabkowitz7654]

Susan Hayward played Ms. Roth superbly. Truly an Oscar performance 1955.

[@mikedinken8020]

Yes, it was terrific

[@lporquai9048]

I came across the story of lillian when I was looking for film star documentaries on KZbin. I came across Susan hayward, and thought wow she's interesting then I looked up her film I'll cry tomorrow and wondered who lillian roth was. It's 2019, and lillian roth is an inspiration to me I'm reading her book and find her awe inspiring. She was a great performer and such an interesting book.

[@kimberlygarber8743]

This story and Lillian Roth meant so much to my mom. She passed away 2 years ago and I have been doing anything to feel closer to her. We used to watch the movie together but I had never read Lillian's book until this summer. This episode of "This is Your Life" was wonderful to see. She is an amazing woman just like my mom.

[@patriciaeorourke]

Hurray for her!! A strong woman I respect!!

[@frankdodgee]

God bless this gutsy talented woman. Some people don’t know their inner strength

[@greglarry11]

Surprising they aired something like this in the early 1950s. Hats off. Many people would not give permission for an inside look into their difficulties.

[@blueeyedfox2009]

She was strong enough and courageous enough. I'm sorry that she didn't find lasting, hugs, kisses and the love that she needed.

[@MarkMiller-i8q]

She broke the mold of the so-called repressed 1950s. People just didn't expose their problems in public, especially celebrities. Lillian was brave enough to do that. Married six times...That was a lot even for Hollywood.

[@gregfrank4115]

This was around the same time that the director Josh Logan was on the Ed Sullivan show(it may still have been called Toast Of The Town). Anyway, he was lauded for his theatrical career, but asked to use part of that show to talk about his recovery from a nervous breakdown and hospitalization. He told his story and didn't want to keep it hidden, hoping others wouldn't be afraid to face a similar situation.

[@aprilwilcher3311]

Susan Hayward portrayed her beautifully in the 1955 movie I’ll Cry Tomorrow. It’s difficult to see someone in so much pain at times but I highly recommend it.

[@figmo397]

Lillian Roth was a brave and strong woman. I didn't know about her alcoholic past, but I'm glad she was able to recover.

[@Farrah300]

Miss Roth as well as Frances Farmer are two people who weren't surprised by Ralph Edwards. Due to the subject matter, she had to be notified in advance.

[@Lisa1111]

Celebs today haven't the guts, morality or bravery as Lillian had ❤️

[@sandy3482]

So true Lisa

[@melnolan776]

"Celebs" today are allegedly judged in a completely different environment. And yet, stunningly, Lillian Roth's portrayal in "This Is Your Life" was as brutal and as eviscerating as one currently sees on social media. Nothing has changed.

[@garyorrock1729]

I just saw the 1955 movie of Lillian Roth (filmed in the 1955 Black& White style) with Susan Hayward,,, Her (Lillian Roth's) life story was told in the 1955 film: I'll Cry Tomorrow, in which she was portrayed by Susan Hayward. What Great acting by all parts including Eddy Albert (From "Green Acers" T.V. show fame) Great, GREAT acting. Everyone should see it as it has Great acting & Unexpected story line. Don't be turned off by it being a Black & White movie.....

[@MusicandDancing4Ever]

Before Judy Garland, there was Lillian Roth. If alcohol hadn’t overtook her, she would’ve became what Judy did....a legend. Lillian was a natural born performer, great voice.

[@January.]

*overtaken *would've become

[@jaymorgenthal9479]

Judy wasn’t just an alcoholic. She was addicted to sleeping pills and uppers

[@blueeyedfox2009]

I agree. I watched her movie many times and watched Ms. Roth sing ...yes could have sang with Judy in the big lights 💞😃.

[@MusicandDancing4Ever]

This episode and the one with Frances Farmer will make you cry. The host was terrible to both of the women. The host kept harping on Lillians alcoholism and Farmers mental health issues, like that was all to their lives. He touch on their triumphs a little but mostly focused on their hard times bringing both women to tears.

[@January.]

*touched

[@fonso1030]

That was the point of the shows, to highlight the problems, not the dollhouses and the kiddie games. You have a half hour to expose a problem. I thought they were both great shows.

[@pkihu9910]

I would of loved to see Ann Sheridan!!

[@Pisces3139]

Been looking for this for a long time.....finally it’s here. Thanks a bunch.

[@AirQuotes848]

Host sure brings out bad stuff poor lady

[@Jaynrand]

Thanks so much for adding this one. I guess this original broadcast was February 4, 1953....so here it's rebroadcast just a few weeks later. Thanks, Ann Sheridan!

[@raygarcia3774]

After watching "I;ll Cry Tomorrow" with Susan Hayward...I've been waiting to view Lillian Roth's story on This Is Your Life on March 11, 1953.

[@ilovemycat333]

I agree that this is humiliating for Lillian. They certainly didn't think this thourally through. God rest her soul.

[@ValleyoftheRogue]

If it hadn't been for this, you would never have had the movie and the book. Likely you would have never heard of Lillian Roth if it weren't for this episode. Why are you displaying your ignorance?

[@mickeymouse2able]

"Old Hollywood Realness", podcast, brought me here. The episode was about the movie "Madam Satan". She's terrific in it. The podcast is sooo good

[@tomservo56954]

Because of what Roth went through, this was one of the few times the guest was informed beforehand (Typically Edwards would surprise the person...because of heart problems, comedian Eddie Cantor was another given notice )

[@palafox2237]

There was one guest, I believe an actress, who walked out but I don't recall who she was.

[@evepeabody4738]

​@@palafox2237I know Angie Dickenson refused to do it after they surprised her.

[@bernieappugliese2029]

Lillian Roth then went on to star in "I Can Get It For You Wholesale" (60s) and "70 Girls 70" on Broadway (70s)!

[@garymazzeo3490]

It was reported she was very difficult to work with and slapped several Broadway co-stars

[@victoriabrewer5960]

This show was pre Jerry Springer style of programming. Just wow. The ambushing going on could have been traumatic. Those beautiful talented little girls. She said in her book she was molested as a child by an artist. What a fun entertainer she was. So hope she found happiness.

[@Farrah300]

Lillian Roth was not ambushed thankfully. The surprises that were usually sprung on this show were good one. I don't think Ralph Edward intends any harm. I do understand when they tried this on Angie Dickinson. She wasn't having it. Again, I don't think any of his surprises were ill intended. As for Jerry Springer, just about all of his so-called surprises ended up hurting somebody both emotionally and physically as yes, those physical fights would ensue. That is very sad.

[@withgoddess]

I read the book I'LL CRY TOMORROW many years ago

[@ValleyoftheRogue]

For people who are trolling the comment section calling this episode "despicable," Lillian Roth was contacted in advance, and she agreed to do this episode in order to make people aware of alcoholism and to help people. She received some 40,000 letters following this broadcast. I would say there was nothing "despicable" about it, only the ignorant people trolling the comment section for who knows what reason. Good to see her sister Ann there. The sisters seemed to have been very close. Does anybody have any idea when Ann passed away? There is nothing on Lillian's Find a Grave page referring to her sister's death at all.

[@jessiej5765]

The way the show is structured is beyond humiliating! Using people suffering and present it as entertainment.

[@patbest7057]

Ppl like miss Roth miss garland miss farmer courageous women despite hell in life

[@fromthesidelines]

Originally telecast on February 4, 1953. And it was repeated again, several years later. Yes, Ann Sheridan WAS scheduled to be honored. However, Ralph's iron-clad rule was, "If you find out what we're planning beforehand, you don't go on."

[@fromthesidelines]

Yes, Lillian's appearance was *NOT* a typical "surprise ambush". Ralph decided her story deserved special treatment {with the blessings of Alcoholics Anonymous}, and allowed her to perform, as if to prove to the audience, "See how far she's come?"

[@lcam9241]

The host said she was allowed to know before coming on.

[@gregfrank4115]

Ralph Edwards did have one iron clad rule. He told his staff not to ever try to pull a this is your life on him - made it clear everyone of them would be fired.

[@fromthesidelines]

And there was a good reason why he didn't want HIS "life story" to be revealed. Too many skeletons in the closet.

[@lolliesingleton5960]

I have seen the Susan Hayward movie about Miss Roth many times, but I have to say that seeing this talented woman on this horrible show broke my heart. 💔😓

[@lcam9241]

Yeah....this show seems so exploitative.

[@yvonneleslie7681]

She wanted to do the show hoping that it might help somebody else. She could have refused.

[@garymazzeo3490]

It was reported in the mid-1970s she was drinking heavy again and was asked to leave several NYC bars.

[@MarkMiller-i8q]

Ralph Edwards' tone almost sounds like he's doing a spoof on Saturday Night Live.

[@perfectjazz78]

Her songs from Friml's Vagabond King were genius performances 11:13

[@christinevmiles506]

Susan Hayward had me in my feelings. What a woman,lady. Addiction is a Beast!! And it doesn't play nice or fair & wants you dead,its a parasite.

[@bufb]

Painful for me to watch. I love see Lilly, Ruby and Lita Gray Chaplin though. Lillian comes alive when she sings. This show is cruel.

[@January.]

*seeing

[@ratt57]

Does anybody else think this is incredibly humiliating for this woman?

[@melnolan776]

It was incredibly disturbing to watch. Cringed through it all. Nevertheless, I assume she did it willingly, and I also assume she was aware of the very popular show's format, which would inherently deprive her of any real opportunity to tell her story. As a final blow, I read that her final husband, the AA member who appeared in the episode, allegedly dumped her by leaving her a note. I have no idea of the circumstances or truth of that story. She died at 69.

[@harrylangdon491]

@@melnolan776 If you want to cringe, read her autobiography. Unbelievable what she put up with from men.

[@melnolan776]

@@harrylangdon491 Beyond tragic.

[@davidwilson1398]

She wasn't sure if she wanted to be there or not.....except when she got her chance to SING!!!! She was comfortable and in control at last!!!!

[@iamladeegee8032]

This might have been disturbing in 1954, but it is really no different than the "tell-all" shows of today. It took guts to come on this show and have her story told and her to recall those events. Bravo to her.

[@barryrivadue9228]

In the context of her book back then etc. this was quite the celebrated if notorious episode. 😐

[@TransVangal]

Ralph was so Handsome

[@Melissa-SC73]

They should bring this show back.

[@LazlosPlane]

A man should always carry a handkerchief.

[@AirQuotes848]

What drama wow☹️ If that guest spot would not have depressed her again what would 🥺😢☹️👀

[@yeahi7270]

THIS IS YOUR LIFE JEFFERY CERAGRE

[@andrewwerner2061]

😢😪😢😪😢😪😢😪😭

[@AirQuotes848]

🥺☹️😢😩

[@patriciamulcair7602]

One brave lady

[@brookegoslin]

Brutal Horrific Shocking Abusive All Played Out On National T.V. !!! She looked tortured as the cruel host was giving the play by play of the horrors of alcoholism and torture she went through in her life .

[@mikebecoat3035]

It weaken her when she had to talk about the pass after she sang her hits but he held her hand.

[@BigGuyBoleslaw]

Gosh, Ralph Edwards could be smarmy. No wonder the show was parodied. The "Uncle Goopy" episode on Your Show of Shows is listed all the time as one of the funniest skits ever to be on TV. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX_FhWyCm56rkNE

[@melnolan776]

"Uncle Goopy" was the parody that needed no scriptwriter.

[@catteadams]

One of the meanest shows I have ever witnessed. Cruel in so many ways. Exploitative and so underhanded. I hate this show and it's hosts smarmy delivery/content/ and negative sneaky underhanded commentary as if it's doing something great or wonderful by exploiting of vulnerable souls.. Nasty thing, this show. So damn mean spirited. YUK. I'm even sorry I saw this one show. I was looking for Lillian Hellman video footage. Can't believe anyone would agree to this humiliation. They were obviously unaware of how damaging this could be for them to go on this show, ...so much ambushing. Pathetic send up as entertainment.

[@TorstenStett]

I was looking for the Lillian Kiel episode when I stumbled onto this one. I agree with your comments but bear in mind that most people back in the 1950's were dumber than a set of pots and pans. In particular I'm referencing the host.

[@hawkrider88]

Totally agree. Times were different back then and who can explain why exactly? But there are parts of it that seem almost like a put-on...like the tableau of the whisky bottles and the constant haranguing about her alcoholism. And frankly, it's harder to swallow now that we know that it didn't really get better for her in the long run. Sad all around.

[@MusicandDancing4Ever]

I see why Ann Sheridan didn’t go through.

[@ratt57]

Thank you, I thought I was the only person feeling this way. This show seems to love to exploit peoples' misfortunes to the point of bringing them to tears. I wish she hadn't consented to do this. Another show from this era, "Queen for a Day," does the same thing. Depressing.

[@manzanoben]

She wrote a book telling the sames stories as here... I think it's very brave and sane of her to speak so openly about her past problems instead of trying to hide them. It's true that the show can be seem exploitative and look awkward from today's perspective, but I also feel that telling the truth, painful as it may be, can sometimes be more respectful than hiding it. The thing is, I don't think she should have been ashamed of anything; on the contrary, I'm dazzled by her intelligence and courage going through such difficulties and reflecting on them publicly on this show. She was also a terrifically talented comedy actress and singer, there's much to admire.

[@susanc6350]

This is odd (my second comment). Poor Lillian …this guy is odd to say the least actually a creep “getting a thrill from this poor woman’s tragedy”.

[@ValleyoftheRogue]

If it weren't for this "creep," you would have never had the book or the movie. Lillian would never have made a comeback. Sometimes it is best to keep your comments to yourself.

[@jessiej5765]

It's really sad, the show is very cruel

[@pollywanda]

A shameful exploitative despicable host !

[@MusicandDancing4Ever]

He was as terrible to Frances farmer.

[@AirQuotes848]

😩

[@nataliagibb5111]

I thought the MC of this is your life is very cruel to her. He was kind of a jack ass.

[@ValleyoftheRogue]

The only "jack ass" is your comment. Ralph Edwards owned the series. He contacted Lillian in advance for this episode, which was the start of her successful book and the movie. Some of you just need to shut up.

[@nataliagibb5111]

@@ValleyoftheRogue do us a favor and relax the back of your throat while you’re down on your bruised knees

[@stephaniewhittle6269]

Ralph Edwards is truly heartless

[@catteadams]

One of the cruelest shows to ever be on TV. Shameful. Embarrassing. And just wrong.

[@sandy3482]

Sorry buy I disagree totally - This program showed the courage of Miss Roth to beat alcoholism, I always loved her in the movies and now I love her more.

[@KevinMiller1992]

She agreed to do this show

[@palafox2237]

Can't imagine why she would agree to this torture. Did she need the money at this time?

[@jessiej5765]

​@sandy3482 showing alcohol on the table increasing in bottle numbers as the years goes by! U didn't find that extremely insensitive! The way they put that ridiculous movie background music as she is talking about her struggles and suicide attempt.

[@jimst.george669]

Ralph Edwards was a jerk how he harped on her alcoholism and not much on her triumphs, successes.