Complete credited cast: | |||
Esther Minciotti | ... | ||
Augusta Ciolli | ... | ||
Joe Mantell | ... | ||
Karen Steele | ... | ||
Jerry Paris | ... | ||
Betsy Blair | ... | ||
Ernest Borgnine | ... |
Stuck as the last of six children at home with an overbearing Italian mother, the only child still unmarried, 34 year old socially awkward Bronx butcher Marty faces middle age with no prospects of marriage, and he faces permanent bachelorhood. But when he is goaded by his mother into going to the Stardust Ballroom one Saturday night, Marty unexpectedly meets Clara, a lonely teacher. Suddenly, Marty's future seems bright. Winner of Best Picture of 1955, Best Adapted Screenplay for Paddy Chayefsky, Best Director for Delbert Mann, and Best Actor for Ernest Borgnine. Written by trivwhiz
I love movies of the 1950's and this is a prime example of the quality today's movies seem to lack.
Being Italian myself I can relate to Marty's situation. Marty's mother and aunt are aging widows and Italian families are extremely close. Sadly, Marty's mother any aunt are feeling old and useless and in many ways try to sabotage their son's happiness. This is sad but true speaking as a bachelor myself. At one point your mother asks you, when are you ever going to get married and when they are older they want to live with you because they too are lonely.
I found myself deeply moved by the decency of Marty and the young teacher he meets at a singles dance. These are truly special people that life has passed by, but not for long. They discover each other and Marty calls the girl in spite of the reservations of his mother and friends.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and Marty and his young lady are the truly beautiful people in this poignant love story.
I would rate this movie 50 stars if I could.
Wonderful, funny at times and unforgettable.
A must see and a must have in any movie collection.