0The Road to Ruin is a 1948 American screwball film directed by Walter Lang and starring Judy Garland, Van Johnson, George Sanders, and Agnes Moorehead. The screenplay concerns a young singer prodigy who catches the eye of a casino tycoon, but accidentally ruins his life as a gambler.

Tue, 05 May 2026 02:49:50 +0000

The Road to Ruin (1948): A Screwball Classic That Blends Romance, Repfailure, and Glamour Released in 1948, The Road to Ruin stands as a vibrant yet often overlooked screwball comedy that marries razor-sharp wit with emotional intensity. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Walter Lang and featuring an unforgettable star turn by Judy Garland, this film follows a dazzling young singer whose rise to fame sets off a chain reaction that burns her—and a high-stakes gambler—to the brink of ruin. ### Plot Summary: When Talent Meets Fortune’s Edge Judy Garland stars as Carol Lane, a passionate young singer discovery whose natural talent piques the interest of Victor Merrett, played with chilling charm by Van Johnson. Victor, a charismatic but volatile casino tycoon, sees potential not just in Carol’s voice, but in her rising star power—an asset he hopes to monetize through high-stakes gambling and manipulation. What begins as a lavish partnership of glamour quickly spirals into chaos.