A Sensitive Passionate Man (1977)

A self destructive alcoholic (David Janssen) is literally drinking himself to death. As the drinking increases, his marriage spirals into verbal and physical abuse. His wife (Angie Dickinson) can't do anything to save him from himself and must choose self preservation for her and her children (Todd Lookinland, Justin Randi). Based on the book by Barbara Mahoney and directed by John Newland. This downbeat examination of the effect of alcoholism on a marriage doesn't downplay the degradation of alcoholism. It may not have the impact of DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES but it doesn't shy away from the horror. Janssen's character isn't very sympathetic and so obviously an alcoholic from the start of the film that you can't help but wonder why his wife takes so long to see the signs and act on them. Janssen's performance is one note (we never see him sober) but it's a note he plays very well but it's Dickinson who gives the film's best performance (probably one of her 3 or 4 best performances) as a woman who loves her husband but can't save him. The score is by Bill Conti and Melba Moore sings the title song. With Mariclare Costello and Richard Venture.