Watch Easy Living

Easy Living is a classic film noir drama from 1949 directed by Jacques Tourneur and starring Victor Mature, Lizabeth Scott, Lucille Ball, and Sonny Tufts. The movie follows the story of a former football player named Pete Wilson (Victor Mature), who has become a wrestling promoter hoping to make enough cash to start his own business. He meets Liza Wilson (Lizabeth Scott), the wife of a wealthy businessman, and they begin a tumultuous affair that puts both of their lives at risk.

The film opens with Pete's wrestling match, which ends in disaster when his main wrestler dies suddenly in the ring. Looking for a way to make a quick buck, Pete spots Liza riding in her fancy car and decides to beg her for money, mistaking her for a prostitute. Liza is intrigued by Pete's rugged charm, and she invites him back to her posh apartment. The two soon start a passionate affair, but Liza's rich husband, Hardy (Charles D. Brown), is not happy with their relationship, and his scheming leads to a series of dangerous encounters for both Pete and Liza.

As the story unfolds, we see that Liza's wealth is derived from selling stolen furs on the black market, and Pete gets dragged in as an unwitting accomplice. By the end of the film, the situation becomes violent and tense, leading to a thrilling climax that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Victor Mature delivers a strong performance as the rugged and simple-minded wrestling promoter, bringing a raw intensity to his scenes that makes it easy to see why Liza is drawn to him. Lizabeth Scott is equally impressive as the sultry femme fatale role she plays, infusing Liza with a seductive charm that seems to obscure her own dangerous and manipulative tendencies. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and their interactions are the highlight of the film.

Lucille Ball, meanwhile, shines in a supporting role as Anne, Liza's sarcastic and long-suffering secretary. While her screen time is limited, Ball manages to make the most of her scenes, delivering some of the film's most memorable lines with wit and style.

One of the most notable aspects of Easy Living is its stunning cinematography. Director Tourneur and cinematographer Harry J. Wild make excellent use of shadow and light to create an atmosphere that is at once menacing and alluring. The black and white visuals are consistently striking, and the film's moody score adds to the overall sense of unease.

Overall, Easy Living is a gripping and suspenseful film noir that still holds up today. The engaging performances and stylish visuals make it a must-watch for fans of the genre, and it's sure to keep you hooked from beginning to end.

Easy Living is a 1949 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.