Life for Ruth

Life for Ruth is an emotionally-driven British drama film released in 1962, starring celebrated actors like Michael Craig, Janet Munro, and Patrick McGoohan. The film, also known as Walk in the Shadow in the United States, tackles existential questions by investigating dilemmas concerning faith, morality, medical intervention, and parent's responsibility for their child's well-being.

The film focuses on the lives of John and Pat Harris, played by Michael Craig and Janet Munro, respectively. They are a loving couple who face the most devastating reality parents could experience when they find their daughter, Ruth, in a catastrophic situation. The life of their six year old is hanging by a thread after she gets involved in a serious boating accident.

Michael Craig, acclaimed for his dramatic roles, delivers a stunning performance as the dedicated, yet desperately confused father. In the face of grave danger, his character grapples with a life-altering decision that could either risk saving or potentially sacrificing Ruth's life. On the other hand, Janet Munro portrays the character of a tormented mother, going through the psychological turmoil brought about by the crisis facing her family.

Patrick McGoohan plays the part of Dr. Brown, the pragmatic physician in charge of Ruth's case, becoming the voice of reason in this emotionally charged scenario. His performance stands out for the moral complexity he brings to his character who insists on a lifesaving blood transfusion that clashes with the religious beliefs of the child's parents.

Yet what makes this film distinct and striking is its exploration of a real-life moral quandary, wherein personal faith and scientific reasoning collide. In the Harrises case, they are devout Jehovah's Witnesses, a faith that opposes blood transfusions. The film unflinchingly tackles this delicate subject matter, shedding light on a seldom-explored religious belief. The Harrises must weigh the potential spiritual consequences against the urgency of their child's survival.

Director Basil Dearden handles this delicate topic lightly, allowing the characters' deep emotional states and moral quandaries to dictate the storyline, rather than imposing a judgment. He allows the viewers to walk the line between medical ethics, parental love, and religious conviction. His storytelling style invites viewers not just to watch passively, but to engage, question, and critique the characters' choices.

While the film is essentially a courtroom drama, it is set against the backdrop of the serene sea town, providing a stark contrast to the weighty dilemmas being played out. The cinematography of Life for Ruth is commendable, capturing both the tranquillity of seaside life and the intensity of a courtroom battle. This blend of picturesque landscapes and high-stakes court drama adds another layer of depth to a challenging narrative.

The screenplay by Janet Green and John McCormick is brimming with sophisticated dialogue that reflects the mindset of each character. It intelligently captures the essence of the context, following a careful, considerate process of giving a balanced perspective on religion, familial love, and medical intervention.

It would be remiss not to mention Tristram Cary's music in the film, providing a soul-stirring counterpart to the emotionally packed narrative. The soundtrack is both melancholic and hopeful, accurately portraying the depths of the parents' plight and the single strand of hope upon which they hang.

Furthermore, the support cast of Life for Ruth, including Paul Rogers, Farell Pelly, Megs Jenkins, and John Barrie, deliver solid performances to ensure each scene is as engaging as possible. They impeccably bring to life the world surrounding the central characters, accentuating the dramatic gravity presented by each turn in the story.

In conclusion, Life for Ruth is an emotional, thought-provoking film that creatively fuses drama with ethical and religious dilemmas. The powerhouse performances of the lead actors, coupled with an evocative screenplay and impressive direction, make this a must-see movie. Whether you are intrigued by thought-provoking narratives or are a classic film enthusiast, Life for Ruth offers an intense cinematic experience drenched in emotional and moral ambiguities.