"Let No Man Write My Epitaph" is about the low part of a person's life and not to be dismissed as being down and out or classified as a loser. It's about living a life with dignity. Burl Ives is a judge, was a judge, but now he drinks. A man who has lost his legs sells newspapers and makes his way through life as he can. Even Ella Fitzgerald is at a low point, doing drugs, in a very rare dramatic acting role for her. And, "The Young and the Restless" star Jeanne Cooper has a supporting role as another character with problems. But the main plot concerns Shelley Winters as a widowed mother, raising James Darren. His father was given the gas chamber, but Shelley keeps saying he was innocent. James can't stay out of fights defending his father's name and his mother's reputation. Shelley has lately had no other recourse but to attach herself to men for a living. Everyone in town knows what she is. Burl has an interest in her, but she does not reciprocate the feelings. When she meets Ricardo Montalban, she is piqued – and he him. He has a legitimate front, but makes his real money by supplying. The low class seems to be front and center in this eye-opening movie, but it doesn't seem to wallow in its own desperation. Instead, hope for tomorrow permeates the film until dramatic events take place. James can play the piano and has a possible connection in Jean Seberg. "Let No Man Write My Epitaph" has good performances by all, but Shelley Winters, who was great in everything, and Burl Ives stand out. And, James Darren is surprisingly effective for his years. If you discover this on TCM, watch and witness the lows and obstacles faced and overcome in the lives of people that could be you and me.
Review of Let No Man Write My Epitaph
