The Struggle (1936 film)

The Struggle, also known as Ten Nights in a Bar-Room, is a 1936 American drama film directed by D.W. Griffith. It was Griffith's final film, marking the end of his long and influential career in cinema.

The film tells the story of Jimmie Wilson (played by Hal B. Wallis), a working-class man who succumbs to alcoholism, ruining his life and endangering his family. The narrative follows Jimmie's descent into addiction, fueled by the temptations and availability of alcohol, and the devastating consequences it has on his wife, Mary (played by Evelyn Brent), and their children.

The Struggle is notable for its cautionary tale about the dangers of alcohol abuse, presented in a melodramatic style typical of the era. However, it was largely considered a commercial and critical failure upon its release. Many critics felt that Griffith's once groundbreaking filmmaking techniques appeared dated by the late 1930s, and the film's simplistic moralizing was not well-received. Despite its lack of initial success, The Struggle has gained some recognition in later years as a historical document reflecting societal anxieties surrounding alcoholism during the Great Depression and as a final, albeit flawed, work by a significant figure in film history. The film is often analyzed in the context of Griffith's broader filmography and his evolving style and themes.