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The Man with the Golden Arm (1955)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
16 January 1956 (Brazil)
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Plot:
Strung-out junkie deals with daily demoralizing drug addiction while crippled wife and card sharks continue to pull him down. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Drugs
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Heroin Addict
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Drug Addiction
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Heroin
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Jail
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Awards:
Nominated for 3 Oscars.
Another 3 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(2 articles)
Actor Darren McGavin Dies at 83
(From WENN. 27 February 2006)
Actor Darren McGavin Dies at 83
(From WENN. 24 February 2006)
(From WENN. 27 February 2006)
Actor Darren McGavin Dies at 83
(From WENN. 24 February 2006)
User Comments:
A moving drama with golden performances
more (55 total)
Cast
(Complete credited 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 |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
119 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
USA:Approved (PCA #17011) |
Portugal:M/12 |
Australia:PG |
Finland:K-16 |
Sweden:15 |
UK:15 |
Argentina:13
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Except for a few exteriors on the RKO backlot, the entire movie was shot on a soundstage
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Goofs:
Revealing mistakes: In a scene very roughly twenty minutes in, as the camera exits the bar following Frankie, the jukebox can be seen to slide out of the way of the camera at the bottom of the screen.
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Quotes:
Frankie Machine:
Guy teaches me drumming down there, says I'm a natural, arms made of pure gold.
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Stranded in Space (#4.5)" (1991)
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Soundtrack:
Jazz sequences
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FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (55 total)
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I've always enjoyed Frank Sinatra's music, and just recently I wrote a term paper about his life story. I've been fascinated by the life and legend of Ol' Blue Eyes. However, I've never seen any of his movies. So I wanted to see if his acting was as great as his singing. Well...it was! I was blown away by his performance in this movie! He really does a tremendous job as recovering heroin addict Frankie Machine, who's trying to put his life back together and audition as a drummer for a local band.
Otto Preminger's direction is great as well. I haven't seen any of his other movies. I read his biography on the IMDB. He seems like one of those directors who was sorely misunderstood, and people had conflicted thoughts about him. Seems like the kind of person who appeals most to cult enthusiasts. I haven't seen enough of his films to know for sure if he's really brilliant, but now I'm curious. I want to see more of his films, because judging by his attempt with "The Man with the Golden Arm" this guy has talent. I also loved the music for this movie. The score definitely contains the kind of music that I'll remember if I ever happen to hear it again. That's when you know you have a great score.
The supporting performances are fine as well, including Darren McGavin as the local drug pusher, Eleanor Parker as Frankie's wheelchair-bound wife and Kim Novak as his lover.
It's interesting to see how filmmakers handled the subject of drug abuse, as opposed to modern attempts in films like "Trainspotting" and "Requiem for a Dream." Back in 1955, just mentioning the word "drugs" caused controversy, and if you watch the film they kept the subject on a very discreet level. There's only one scene where Frankie is actually getting heroin injected into his arm, and they showed a close-up of the reaction of his face rather than showing the needle graphically poking into his veins. But it delivered its message without making it feel watered-down. In a powerful drama like this, with powerful performances and direction like this, you don't need graphic portrayals of drug abuse to keep the audience intrigued.
"The Man with the Golden Arm" is a dramatic gem that all film buffs should check out. It really is an amazing piece of work!
My score: 8 (out of 10)