I'll Cry Tomorrow (book)

First edition (publ.

I'll Cry Tomorrow is a biographical book written by Lillian Roth, with the assistance of Mike Connolly and Gerold Frank. It was first published in 1954 and is a harrowing account of Roth's struggles with alcoholism, her rise to fame as a singer and actress in the early 20th century, and her subsequent fall from grace and eventual recovery. The book is considered a seminal work in the literature of addiction and recovery.

Synopsis

I'll Cry Tomorrow details Lillian Roth's life from her early days in Vaudeville as a child star, through her successful career in Hollywood and on Broadway, to her battle with alcoholism and her eventual path to sobriety. Roth candidly discusses the pressures of fame, the loss of her parents, failed marriages, and the toll that her addiction took on her personal and professional life. The book is notable for its honesty and was one of the first of its kind to openly discuss the struggles of addiction, particularly from a woman's perspective.

Publication and Reception

Upon its release, I'll Cry Tomorrow received widespread critical acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of Roth's life and her struggles with addiction. It was praised for its candidness, emotional depth, and Roth's bravery in sharing her story. The book became a bestseller and has been credited with bringing the issue of alcoholism, especially among women, into the public consciousness.

Adaptations

The success of the book led to a 1955 film adaptation, also titled I'll Cry Tomorrow, directed by Daniel Mann and starring Susan Hayward as Lillian Roth. The film further popularized Roth's story and was both a critical and commercial success. It received several Academy Award nominations, further cementing the book's impact on popular culture.

Legacy

I'll Cry Tomorrow is considered a classic in the genre of autobiographical literature dealing with addiction. It has inspired countless individuals struggling with alcoholism and has been referenced in various works dealing with similar themes. The book remains in print and continues to be studied for its contributions to understanding addiction and recovery.

See Also

• Alcoholism
• Biography
• Hollywood
• Vaudeville