"Live Today for Tomorrow" stands out in bold relief against a background of second-rate "psychological dramas." The film concerns Judge Calvin Cooke (Fredric March), a revered man of Law who is faced with the knowledge that his wife Catherine (Florence Eldridge) is incurably ill, and the problem of keeping the secret from her. As her attacks increase, Judge Cooke finally decides to execute a "mercy killing," and one night deliberately wrecks the automobile in which he and his wife are driving. Immediately after, he confesses the entire crime and is brought into court. His plea of "guilty" collapses when his counsel unexpectedly proves that in reality Catherine Cooke did know of her illness, and had died by her own hand before the time of the accident.

The movie is essentially and chiefly a character portrayal of a man reacting to crushing adversities. Judge Cooke had previously been noted for his unreasonable adherence to the precise letter of the Law, being loth to consider a defendant's intentions. Now, as he is pronounced innocent of the murder of his wife, he is admonished by the presiding judge that because he intended to perform the act, he is in fact legally innocent but morally guilty. Rising, Judge Calvin Cooke stands erect and addresses the court thus: "In the future, your Honor, I shall take heed of mens' intentions as well as their actions. For I have learned that while a man may be legally innocent while morally guilty, he may also be legally guilty but morally innocent."

The greatness of "Live Today for Tomorrow" lies in its acting, which is splendid but not-over-done. Florence Eldridge portrays not an insane Catherine Cook, but one in pain. And Frederic March acts as if he himself were undergoing the emotional metamorphosis his part demands. In his own austere way, March personifies the awful tragedy of a man whose love for his wife is so great that he will even kill her to alleviate her suffering. This film is convincing proof that the most hopelessly overworked subject matter can become worthwhile entertainment with proper treatment.