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Bigger Than Life

1956·Movie·NR·95 min·7.2(184)

The story of the handful of hope that became a fistful of hell!

A friendly, successful suburban teacher and father grows dangerously addicted to cortisone, resulting in his transformation into a household despot.

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Where to watch Bigger Than Life in United States

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About Bigger Than Life

Bigger Than Life is a 1956 English-language drama film directed by Nicholas Ray. The cast is led by James Mason, Barbara Rush, Walter Matthau. It has a runtime of 1h 35m. Viewers rate it 7.2/10 across 200 ratings.

Bigger Than Life was produced by 20th Century Fox and made in United States of America. It was released on November 20, 1956, and carries a NR certification.

Director
Nicholas Ray
Writers
Richard Maibaum, Cyril Hume
Release date
November 20, 1956
Original language
English
Age rating
NR
Status
Released
Country
United States of America
Production
20th Century Fox
#husband wife relationship#paranoia#drug addiction#hallucination#family relationships#hospital#drugs#mental illness#schoolteacher#cortisone#verbal abuse#family life#father son relationship#personality change

Bigger Than Life cast & crew

Bigger Than Life was directed by Nicholas Ray and written by Richard Maibaum and Cyril Hume.

The cast features James Mason as Ed Avery, Barbara Rush as Lou Avery, Walter Matthau as Wally Gibbs, Robert F. Simon as Dr. Norton, Christopher Olsen as Richie Avery, and Roland Winters as Dr. Ruric.

Behind the camera, the score was composed by David Raksin, cinematography is by Joseph MacDonald, and it was produced by James Mason.

Is Bigger Than Life worth watching?

Bigger Than Life holds an audience score of 7.2/10 from 184 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed drama films.

At 1h 35m, it's an easy, time-light watch.

If you enjoy drama, Bigger Than Life is worth a place on your watchlist.

How and where to watch Bigger Than Life

Bigger Than Life isn't currently available on major streaming services in United States. We track availability continuously — add it to your watchlist and we'll keep an eye out.

Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.

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Cast of Bigger Than Life

James Mason

James Mason

Ed Avery

Barbara Rush

Barbara Rush

Lou Avery

Walter Matthau

Walter Matthau

Wally Gibbs

Robert F. Simon

Robert F. Simon

Dr. Norton

Christopher Olsen

Christopher Olsen

Richie Avery

Roland Winters

Roland Winters

Dr. Ruric

Rusty Lane

Rusty Lane

Bob LaPorte

Rachel Stephens

Rachel Stephens

Nurse

Kipp Hamilton

Kipp Hamilton

Pat Wade

No photo

Betty Caulfield

Mrs. LaPorte (uncredited)

Virginia Carroll

Virginia Carroll

Mrs. Jones (uncredited)

Renny McEvoy

Renny McEvoy

Mr. Jones (uncredited)

Bigger Than Life — FAQs

Where can I watch Bigger Than Life in United States?

Bigger Than Life is not currently available on major streaming services in United States. Availability changes often — check back soon.

What language is Bigger Than Life in?

Bigger Than Life is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.

How long is Bigger Than Life?

Bigger Than Life runs 1 hours 35 minutes (95 minutes).

What is Bigger Than Life rated?

Bigger Than Life is rated NR. It holds a 7.2/10 audience score from 184 ratings.

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