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This Is the Life poster
IMDb191750mUnited States of America

This Is the Life

“He Thinks It's All Part of the Show Until They Start to Shoot Him! AND THEN-THINGS FLY!”

Topics:#lost film

Synopsis

At his father’s insistence Billy Drake heads to the family’s South American ammunition company as an emissary. Before leaving, however, the movie-struck Billy spots a beautiful woman standing in front of a theater and imagines that she is a film star. To his delight, he finds the woman on board his ship, as well as political agitator Count Von Nuttenburg who has stolen a movie camera, thinking that it is a new brand of machine gun. Von Nuttenburg shows the camera to Billy. Thinking the Count is a director, and the ship a set for a movie melodrama when the boat lands at a port torn by revolution, Billy insists that the guns and soldiers are part of the show. Not until he and the girl are seized by the rebels and threatened with death, does he admit his error. By a clever ruse, he escapes from his captors and with the help of Federal troops defeats the Count and wins the heart of his pretty shipmate.

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

October 21, 1917

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Raoul Walsh
Screenplay & Story
Raoul Walsh
Original Title
This Is the Life
Country of Origin
United States of America
Spoken Languages
No Language
Runtime
50m
Production Studios
Fox Film Corporation

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Raoul Walsh

Screenplay & Story

Raoul Walsh

Director of Photography

Dal Clawson

Department Leadership Roster

Raoul Walsh

Raoul Walsh

Director

Raoul Walsh

Raoul Walsh

Writer

Dal Clawson

Director of Photography

Official cinematic photography and background stills for This Is the Life.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Is the Life

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is This Is the Life about?

At his father’s insistence Billy Drake heads to the family’s South American ammunition company as an emissary. Before leaving, however, the movie-struck Billy spots a beautiful woman standing in front of a theater and imagines that she is a film star. To his delight, he finds the woman on board his ship, as well as political agitator Count Von Nuttenburg who has stolen a movie camera, thinking that it is a new brand of machine gun. Von Nuttenburg shows the camera to Billy. Thinking the Count is a director, and the ship a set for a movie melodrama when the boat lands at a port torn by revolution, Billy insists that the guns and soldiers are part of the show. Not until he and the girl are seized by the rebels and threatened with death, does he admit his error. By a clever ruse, he escapes from his captors and with the help of Federal troops defeats the Count and wins the heart of his pretty shipmate.

Who directed This Is the Life?

This Is the Life was directed by Raoul Walsh.

Who stars in This Is the Life?

The principal cast of This Is the Life includes George Walsh, Wanda Hawley, James A. Marcus, Ralph Lewis, Jack McDonald.

When was This Is the Life released and how long is it?

This Is the Life was released in 1917 with a total runtime of 50m.