The Man with the Golden Arm (1955)

The Man with the Golden Arm (1955)
Director: Otto Preminger
Writers: Nelson Algren
Walter Newman
Release Date: 4 July 1956 (France) more
Genre: Drama


* Cast :

Frank Sinatra ... Frankie Machine
Eleanor Parker ... Zosch Machine
Kim Novak ... Molly
Arnold Stang ... Sparrow
Darren McGavin ... Louie
Robert Strauss ... Schwiefka
John Conte ... Drunky
Doro Merande ... Vi
George E. Stone ... Sam Markette
George Mathews ... Williams
Leonid Kinskey ... Dominiwski
Emile Meyer ... Detective Bednar


* Desription :


The Man with the Golden Arm is a 1955 drama film, based on the novel of the same name by Nelson Algren, which tells the story of a heroin addict who gets clean while in prison, but struggles to stay that way in the outside world. It stars Frank Sinatra, Eleanor Parker, Kim Novak, Arnold Stang and Darren McGavin. It was adapted for the screen by Walter Newman, Lewis Meltzer and Ben Hecht (uncredited), and directed by Otto Preminger.


It was nominated for three Academy Awards:


Sinatra for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Joseph C. Wright and Darrell Silvera for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Black-and-White and Elmer Bernstein for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture. Sinatra was also nominated for best actor awards by the BAFTAs and The New York Film Critics. The film was controversial for its time; the Motion Picture Association of America refused to certify the film because it showed drug addiction.


The film was released without the MPAA's seal of approval. This sparked a change in production codes, allowing movies more freedom to more deeply explore hitherto taboo subjects such drug abuse, kidnapping, abortion and prostitution.


* Plot :


Frankie Machine (Frank Sinatra) is released from prison with a set of drums and a new outlook on life. A former heroin addict, Frankie became clean in prison. On the outside, he greets friends and acquaintances.


Sparrow (Arnold Stang), who runs a con selling homeless dogs, clings to him like a young brother, but Schwiefka (Robert Strauss), whom Frankie used to deal for in his illegal card game, has more sinister reasons for welcoming him back, as does Louis (Darren McGavin), Machine's former heroin dealer.


Frankie sees his wife Zosh (Eleanor Parker), who is wheelchair-bound after a car crash some years ago. Zosh smothers her husband and hinders his attempt to make something of himself. He thinks he has what it takes to play drums for a big band. While calling to make an appointment, he bumps into an old flame, Molly (Kim Novak)...