Both The Wrap and Nikke Finke have the details, and in their list of the great director’s films, both overlook “The Days of Wine and Roses,” a harrowing, unromantic, and unforgettable tale of the toll of alcoholism on a young, attractive married couple (Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick) and their young daughter. I don’t mention the title to play gotcha with either of them, I mention it because that film is, in my opinion, the greatest testament to Blake Edwards’ gifts as a director, as far away from the comedic tone and slapstick brilliance of the “Pink Panther” series that would soon follow.

Though he’ll always and justifiably be remembered for his work with Peter Sellers and classic film comedies such as ”Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “10″ and “Victor Victoria,” what he accomplished with “Days of Wine and Roses” — turning what starts out as something resembling a terrific Billy Wilder romantic comedy before moving the story into as dark of a world as one can imagine — has always made it my favorite Blake Edwards’ film. Other than Preston Sturges’ “Sullivan’s Travels,” there’s no other film that tonally moves so smoothly from A to Z as successfully and with the same emotional impact.

And yet, because it’s so unlike what he’s most famous for, the biggest compliment I can pay Edwards is that I frequently forget it’s a Blake Edwards’ film.

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A five “best” list of Lemmon films would look a little different than this, especially 4 & 5, but “favorite” is more fun. Besides, no one has a corner on taste.

1. The Days of Wine and Roses (1962) – There have been countless films since dramatizing the horrors of drug and alcohol addiction, many of them more explicit and visceral, but none ever as emotionally agonizing as this tragic love story of two alcoholics. The first act could be any early 60’s, meet-cute, oh Miss Halbersham you’re beautiful without your glasses romantic comedy. At first, Jack Lemmon plays Jack Lemmon wooing the lovely Lee Remick but then the two martini lunch turns into a living nightmare that ends so sadly it takes your breath away. (more…)