I Want to Live! 1958
"The murder trial that shook the world!"
I Want to Live! (1958) unfolds against the gritty backdrop of mid-century California, where Barbara Graham—a woman fighting to escape her criminal past—finds herself trapped in a high-stakes murder trial that captivates the nation.
Director: Robert Wise
Cast
Susan Hayward
Barbara Graham
Simon Oakland
Edward S. 'Ed' Montgomery
Virginia Vincent
Peg
Theodore Bikel
Carl G.G. Palmberg
Wesley Lau
Henry L. Graham
Philip Coolidge
Emmett Perkins
Lou Krugman
John R. 'Jack' Santo
James Philbrook
Bruce King
Bartlett Robinson
District Attorney Milton
Gage Clarke
Attorney Richard G. Tibrow
Frequently Asked Questions
What is I Want to Live! (1958) about?
The film follows Barbara Graham, a woman struggling to leave her criminal past behind, only to be ensnared in a murder case that sends her to death row. As her trial becomes a media sensation, she battles for survival while confronting the harsh realities of the justice system in 1950s California.
Who directed I Want to Live!?
Robert Wise, the acclaimed director behind classics like The Sound of Music and West Side Story, helmed this intense drama with a keen eye for realism.
Who stars in I Want to Live!?
The film features Susan Hayward in a career-defining role, supported by Theodore Bikel, Simon Oakland, Virginia Vincent, and Wesley Lau.
Is I Want to Live! (1958) worth watching?
With its gripping courtroom tension and Hayward's unforgettable performance, I Want to Live! is a must-see for fans of classic crime dramas. Its moral complexity and emotional depth make it a standout in the genre, offering more than just a sensational trial narrative.
How long is I Want to Live!?
The film runs for 120 minutes, delivering a tight and immersive viewing experience.
🎥 Trailer
About I Want to Live! (1958) — A Gripping True-Crime Drama with Susan Hayward
I Want to Live! (1958) unfolds against the gritty backdrop of mid-century California, where Barbara Graham—a woman fighting to escape her criminal past—finds herself trapped in a high-stakes murder trial that captivates the nation. Directed by Robert Wise with unflinching realism, this gripping drama immerses viewers in a tense courtroom battle where justice hangs in the balance. As Graham's desperate attempts to clear her name unravel, the film explores themes of redemption, societal judgment, and the irreversible consequences of one's choices. The atmosphere crackles with raw tension, blending the stark authenticity of 1950s crime dramas with a deeply human story of survival and defiance.
Susan Hayward delivers a powerhouse performance as Graham, imbuing the role with a mix of vulnerability and steely resilience that lingers long after the credits roll. The supporting cast, including Theodore Bikel and Simon Oakland, adds layers of authenticity to the legal drama, grounding the story in a world where truth and perception collide. A masterclass in tension and moral complexity, I Want to Live! remains a haunting exploration of fate and the fight for a second chance.
