Give Us This Day 1949
Give Us This Day (1949) is a poignant drama set against New York's Great Depression, where an Italian immigrant family fights for survival under crushing economic pressure.
Director: Edward Dmytryk
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Give Us This Day (1949) about?
Give Us This Day (1949) follows an Italian immigrant family in 1930s New York as they battle the crushing weight of the Great Depression. Led by a determined father, the film explores their daily struggles, sacrifices, and small victories in a world that seems stacked against them.
Who directed Give Us This Day?
Give Us This Day was directed by Edward Dmytryk, a filmmaker who briefly worked in England after being blacklisted in Hollywood during the late 1940s.
Who stars in Give Us This Day?
The film stars Sam Wanamaker as the family's patriarch, alongside Lea Padovani, Kathleen Ryan, Charles Goldner, and Bonar Colleano in key roles.
Is Give Us This Day (1949) worth watching?
For fans of classic dramas and historical storytelling, Give Us This Day (1949) is a rewarding watch. Its blend of social realism, emotional depth, and strong performances makes it a standout despite its unrated status. The film's themes of resilience and survival resonate just as strongly today.
How long is Give Us This Day?
Give Us This Day (1949) has a runtime of 114 minutes.
About Give Us This Day (1949) — A Depression-Era Drama of Resilience
Give Us This Day (1949) is a poignant drama set against New York's Great Depression, where an Italian immigrant family fights for survival under crushing economic pressure. Directed by Edward Dmytryk during his exile from Hollywood's blacklist, the film captures raw desperation and quiet resilience through the lens of a struggling clan led by a determined patriarch. Sam Wanamaker delivers a standout performance as the family's head, navigating hardship with dignity and grit. With its stark realism and emotional weight, the movie paints a vivid portrait of hope amid adversity, framed by a director whose own struggles mirrored those on screen.
Starring alongside Wanamaker is Lea Padovani as his resilient partner and Kathleen Ryan as a supporting figure caught in the family's turmoil. The film's atmosphere is thick with tension, blending social commentary with deeply human drama. Give Us This Day offers a snapshot of 1930s urban life, where every penny matters and every choice carries consequence. Though less celebrated today, its historical context and heartfelt storytelling make it a compelling watch for fans of classic cinema and period pieces alike.