Lust for Life (film)

Lust for Life (1956) is a MGM biographical film about the life of the Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, based on the 1934 novel by Irving Stone and adapted by Norman Corwin.

It was directed by Vincente Minnelli and produced by John Houseman. The film stars Kirk Douglas (who bore a surprising resemblance to Van Gogh), Anthony Quinn, James Donald, Pamela Brown and Everett Sloane.

Cast

• Kirk Douglas — Vincent Van Gogh
• Anthony Quinn — Paul Gauguin
• James Donald — Theo Van Gogh
• Pamela Brown — Christine
• Everett Sloane — Dr. Gachet
• Henry Daniell — Theodorus Van Gogh
• Madge Kennedy — Anna Cornelia Van Gogh
• Noel Purcell — Anton Mauve
• Jeanette Sterke — Kay
• Niall MacGinnis — Roulin

Awards

The movie won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Anthony Quinn). It was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Kirk Douglas), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color and Best Writing, Best Screenplay - Adapted.

Production Notes

MGM produced a short film Vincent Van Gogh: Darkness Into Light, narrated by Dore Schary and showing the European locations used for the filming, to promote Lust for Life. In the film, Jeanne Calment, then 80, who knew Van Gogh when she was a young girl, meets star Kirk Douglas, and comments on how much he looks like the painter. This short promotional film is shown on Turner Classic Movies occasionally.

External links

• Vincent Van Gogh: Darkness Into Light at IMDB