The Hard Way

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The Hard Way

Released Feb 20, 1943

1h 49m

Drama

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3 Reviews

71%

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100+ Ratings

Helen (Ida Lupino) wants out of her small town and sees her sister Katie (Joan Leslie) as her means when she discovers that Katie can sing. Manipulating Katie into a marriage with another singer, Katie finds happiness on the road performing, but Helen wants more. She forces Katie to dump her singing husband and go solo. As Katie's success grows, the tension between the two sisters increases and is taken to the breaking point when they both fall in love with the same man.

James Agee

The Nation

There is a good deal in it to excite and to please.

Feb 10, 2021

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

The part Ida got because Bette Davis rejected it, is well-served by her.

Rated: B

Aug 30, 2014

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: B+

Mar 5, 2013

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Steve D

Melodramatic but strongly made.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/29/23

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acsdoug D

Joan Leslie is not very convincing as a song and dance superstar. Ida Lupino, on the other hand, is terrific. Her hard boiled driven character is perfect for her acting style. Dennis Morgan is very good here too. Good movie.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/22/23

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David K

Good cast leads a good film that's better than it should be. Hardly unique in its depiction of the drama and unbridled ambition of the lead - Ida Lupino - one of the greats for both her acting chops and pioneering role as a female director (not for this film, that would come later). Joan Leslie, Dennis Morgan, and Jack Carson all turn in stellar performances. I've heard Joan Leslie sing in other films, but her slightly off singing here is perfect for the role.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/14/23

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s r

A dramatic tale of show business and love.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

ida lupino shines as a hard boiled sister with an iron will.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

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Audience Member

Second-rate soap opera, Ida Lupino is wasted here.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

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Vincent Sherman

Director

Ida Lupino

Mrs. Helen Chernen

Dennis Morgan

Paul Collins

Joan Leslie

Katherine "Katie" Blaine

Jack Carson

Albert Runkel

Gladys George

Lily Emery

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Synopsis

Helen (Ida Lupino) wants out of her small town and sees her sister Katie (Joan Leslie) as her means when she discovers that Katie can sing. Manipulating Katie into a marriage with another singer, Katie finds happiness on the road performing, but Helen wants more. She forces Katie to dump her singing husband and go solo. As Katie's success grows, the tension between the two sisters increases and is taken to the breaking point when they both fall in love with the same man.

Director: Vincent Sherman
Producer: Jerry Wald
Production Co: Warner Brothers/Seven Arts
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 20, 1943, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 7, 2016
Runtime: 1h 49m