The Man With The Golden Arm
An Otto Preminger Film
Frankie Machine returns from rehab flush with hope and ambition of a new career. He's determined to become a drummer, but his wife, old boss, and his former pusher have other plans. Frank Sinatra earned an Oscar nomination for this moving portrayal of a man whose inability to escape his past nearly destroys his future. Eleanor Parker co-stars as the conniving wife and Kim Novak as the sweetheart who helps Frankie survive to pursue his dreams.
The film's action is highlighted by the jazzy score of Elmer Bernstein, who was nominated for an Oscar for his efforts. The film also helped launch the career of Saul Bass, whose mod title sequences for The Man With the Golden Arm caught the attention of Alfred Hitchcock, who subsequently enlisted Bass' help in creating famous shower sequences in Psycho. Bass is now known as the most influential title designer in the history of film.
Member Reviews
intense and enjoyable - frankenstein
They made great films in this 1950's era with great scores , characters and dialogue. Really enjoyed this one , intense and great performances , characters stand out - bad teeth and all. Sinatra looks a little smooth for a drug addict in constant trouble- but he manages to play his role well and engage empathy for the character. Highly recommend this one , great dialogue and messed up personalities stand out.So good I can't believe it was made - KelVarnsen
This movie is soooo good but it is almost hard to believe that Hollywood would make a movie where the main character, and one of the biggest stars of his day (or even all time) is a junkie. I really don't think the hollywood of today would have the guts to make this type of movie, and it was too bad because it was a really interesting story and the performances all around were amazing.Man with the Golden Career in a Golden film! - Cine
You know.....he's been dead for awhile now and it's still "Frank's world....we just live in it!" If you need any more proof of that...here was a well rounded individual whose influence spanned the whole entertainment world....then watch this and the original Manchurian Candidate....musicals they ain't. With this film, the immediate impact should be the subject matter - heroin addiction and how it was addressed and the actual date of the film...1955!! Controversial when it came it out, it still strikes a powerful punch. I squirmed watching it. As for "dated dialogue"!! You're watching a film made in 1955 and set in 1955...what did ya expect....street talk from the hood with a 2006 flavour? Love it and have loved it ever since I first viewed this movie as late night fare on Canadian TV 10 years ago. If you fancy yourself a film historian....do yourself a favour and take Frank's class. Add this to your Zip List. Cheers.
Member Reviews
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intense and enjoyable - frankenstein
They made great films in this 1950's era with great scores , characters and dialogue. Really enjoyed this one , intense and great performances , characters stand out - bad teeth and all. Sinatra looks a little smooth for a drug addict in constant trouble- ...So good I can't believe it was made - KelVarnsen
This movie is soooo good but it is almost hard to believe that Hollywood would make a movie where the main character, and one of the biggest stars of his day (or even all time) is a junkie. I really don't think the hollywood of today would have the guts to ...Man with the Golden Career in a Golden film! - Cine
You know.....he's been dead for awhile now and it's still "Frank's world....we just live in it!" If you need any more proof of that...here was a well rounded individual whose influence spanned the whole entertainment world....then watch this and the original ...