Rating: 
Summary: MARVELOUS MARTY WINS EVERYONE'S HEART!
Review: "Marty" is an oddity in Academy Award winning history. It is the first and only time a movie based upon a popular television show has won Best Picture. It stars Ernest Borgnine as the title character, a lonely and shy butcher who finds unlikely romance with wallflower, Betsy Blair (Clara Snyder). The film examines their quiet and unassuming relationship as that of two outcasts in a society where everyone has someone to love except them. Esther Minciotti costars as Marty's mother. Her concern over her son's bachelorhood is quite comical, referring to girls as "tomatoes" and suggesting that her son "pluck one" that is ripe for the picking at a local dance. Joe Mantell and Jerry Paris costar as Marty's well meaning friends, who inadvertently confuse Marty into dropping Betsy because she isn't attractive enough.MGM/UA has presented "Marty" in a very nice looking full frame transfer. The B&W picture exhibits a relatively solid and stable gray scale that is nicely balanced. Contrast and shadow levels are adequate. Film grain is a bit heavy at times but does not distract. There is a lack of digital anomalies, except for a hint of edge enhancement that crops up now and then. The audio is mono but exceptionally well balanced. Only occasionally does it have a strident or tinny sound. There are no extras.
Rating: 
Summary: AFI's Greatest Love Stories #64: Marty
Review: "When you gonna get married, Marty? You should be ashamed of yourself. All your brothers and sisters, younger than you, they get married and got the children." Ernest Borgnine's Oscar winning performance as the title character in "Marty" is so captivating that you might forget the real star of this film is writer Paddy Chayefsky. Originally "Marty" was an acclaimed live television anthology drama that aired in May 1953 on the "Philco-Goodyear Playhouse." The 50-minute production starred Rod Steiger and Nancy Marchand. The drama was a poignant tale of the battle against loneliness for butcher Marty Piletti, who knew that whatever a woman wanted in a man, "I ain't got it." When Marty finally met a woman, his friends cruelly called her "a dog." But then Marty realized that he was a dog too and seized his chance for happiness, arranging a date as the drama ended. The telecast of "Marty" made Chayefsky one of the greatest writers of television's "Golden Age," second only to Rod Serling ("Patterns," "Requiem for a Heavyweight"). Two years later Chayefsky and director Delbert Mann reunited in Hollywood to make a 90-minute film version of the story, which was expanded masterfully by the author as he explored the pain of being unwanted. What made the story a winner was that this is not a depressing story and we never fail to feel not only sympathy but affection for the main character. Marty is about to give up on love when he meets the plain-looking Clair (Betsy Blair), a teacher about to turn 30 who has also faced a life of rejection. What makes their rejection painful is that they are both decent people, who come together because they are able to recognize their own decent qualities in each other. There are those who complain that the leading players are not "dogs" enough to make the story work. However, Borgnine was never anything close to a traditional leading man. I certainly think his performance is both convincing and compelling. The criticism is more telling with regards to Blair, who has a certain attractiveness that goes a bit beyond being "plain." But what is important in the story is not these are ugly people per se, but that their self-esteem and sense of confidence has been completely eroded away by friends and family. Besides, we would not really expect Hollywood to invest in a film like this with too much authenticity. Most Romantic Lines: These might not be overly romantic, but they are great Chayeksky dialogue: (1) "All right, so I'll go to the Stardust Ballroom. I'll put on a blue suit, and I'll go. And you know what I'm gonna get for my trouble? Heartache. A big night of heartache"; (2) "And I also want you to know that I'm having a very good time with you right now and really enjoying myself. You see, you're not such a dog as you think you are"; (3) "You got a real nice face, you know. Really a nice face"; (4) "I'd like to see you again - very much. The reason I didn't let you kiss me was because I just didn't know how to handle the situation. You're the kindest man I ever met. The reason I tell you this is because I want to see you again - very much. I know that when you take me home I'm just going to lie on my bed and think about you. I want very much to see you again." Of course the most famous exchange in the film is between Marty and his friend: Angie: "What do you wanna do tonight?" Marty: "I dunno, Angie. What do you wanna do?" If you enjoyed this film check out these other films on the American Film Institute's 100 Years 100 Passions list: #14 "The African Queen," #17 "Moonstruck," #23 "Now, Voyager," and #81 "The Goodbye Girl." Why? Because they all tell love stories in which love comes relatively late in the game for people who believed it was never coming at all. Obviously, however, you should also check out the original television version of "Marty," preferably before you check out the film version.
Rating: 
Summary: Hey, Marty!
Review: "Marty", and other classic dramas and comedies, was the reason why I purchased a DVD player two years ago. Immediately, I was disappointed in the limited variety of classic Hollywood films avaliable (it seems like most DVD selections were in the theaters only six months ago!). Therefore, I was very pleased to find "Marty" avaliable. The film was made in 1954. No cell phones, no personal computers, no talking toys or electronic games for kids. Nevertheless, this motion picture is a great example of how little the human condition has changed. Marty is simply a man who doesn't want to spend the rest of his life alone. His family teases him, and even pressures, about finding someone. However, his problems don't end when he finally does find a girl he likes(and the feeling is mutual). If anything this film is MORE revelant now, becuase it is harder to find other singles who are seeking a serious, marital relationship than it was in 1954 (or so I am told). Marty is a great dramatic film, the special effects are superb acting and writing. It didn't when an Acamedy Award on accident! :)
Rating:
Summary: Hey, Marty!
Review: "Marty", and other classic dramas and comedies, was the reason why I purchased a DVD player two years ago. Immediately, I was disappointed in the limited variety of classic Hollywood films avaliable (it seems like most DVD selections were in the theaters only six months ago!). Therefore, I was very pleased to find "Marty" avaliable. The film was made in 1954. No cell phones, no personal computers, no talking toys or electronic games for kids. Nevertheless, this motion picture is a great example of how little the human condition has changed. Marty is simply a man who doesn't want to spend the rest of his life alone. His family teases him, and even pressures, about finding someone. However, his problems don't end when he finally does find a girl he likes(and the feeling is mutual). If anything this film is MORE revelant now, becuase it is harder to find other singles who are seeking a serious, marital relationship than it was in 1954 (or so I am told). Marty is a great dramatic film, the special effects are superb acting and writing. It didn't when an Acamedy Award on accident! :)
Rating:
Summary: See Martin Asiner's review for the plot
Review:
Martin Asiner wrote a fine review of the plot, posted September 7, 2003 on this website. It is hard to improve on. This is a 1955 black and white film that gained both Ernest Borgnine and the director, Delbert Mann, Oscars. It is a fine film, exploring the lonliness of plain people who would like to love and be loved. The motivation, acting, and casting are all superb. I could find no fault with the film as presented. The writer understood human nature, and it showed. Betsy Blair, who played Clara, is the only possibly poor job of casting. She is certainly not a "plain" girl, as cast. She is really quite beautiful, and in fact in real life is Gene Kelly's wife. Anything but "plain Jane." But they made her as plain as possible, with makeup (or lack of same), and she played the part beautifully. As far as that goes, Borgnine himself was an attractive man at that age. He was stout, but did not apprear fat, and his features did not warrant the appelation of "ugly" by any means. I enjoyed the show, and thought it an excellent study in human nature and self-inflicted lonliness. Joseph (Joe) Pierre
author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books
Rating:
Summary: See Martin Asiner's review for the plot
Review:
Martin Asiner wrote a fine review of the plot, posted September 7, 2003 on this website. It is hard to improve on. This is a 1955 black and white film that gained both Ernest Borgnine and the director, Delbert Mann, Oscars. It is a fine film, exploring the lonliness of plain people who would like to love and be loved. The motivation, acting, and casting are all superb. I could find no fault with the film as presented. The writer understood human nature, and it showed. Betsy Blair, who played Clara, is the only possibly poor job of casting. She is certainly not a "plain" girl, as cast. She is really quite beautiful, and in fact in real life is Gene Kelly's wife. Anything but "plain Jane." But they made her as plain as possible, with makeup (or lack of same), and she played the part beautifully. As far as that goes, Borgnine himself was an attractive man at that age. He was stout, but did not apprear fat, and his features did not warrant the appelation of "ugly" by any means. I enjoyed the show, and thought it an excellent study in human nature and self-inflicted lonliness. Joseph (Joe) Pierre
author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books
Rating:
Summary: This is about the character
Review: Allow me to explain this film by stating that it is about the character. You must be able to identify with the type of person that Marty is to enjoy this film. He is a lonesome person that longs for a companion. Most people do not have such difficulty in finding the right mate; ergo, they would not be able to identify with Marty. You must be an empathic person to enjoy this movie. For instance, in Rebel Without A Cause, you must be able to understand the loner nature of Dean's character. In Gone With the Wind, you have to feel for Leigh's manipulative Scarlet O'Hara to enjoy the movie. Believe me, Marty is a fantastic film worth purchasing.
Rating:
Summary: A simple lesson in a simple film.
Review: Ernest Borgnine is Marty, a 34-year-old single, and average looking man who has been shadowed by haunting insecurities throughout his life. Stuck in a job he had to take, left without the higher education he desired, and bored and bruised from years of failed dates, he somehow manages to personify the intimate heartache of the every-man. Carefully played acting by both Borgnine and Clara -- the woman he falls in love with and who eventually turns him around (Betsy Blair) - prevail over a dull directing attempt and tremendously uninventive editing. Technicalities aside, "Marty" reaches out rather successfully at a simple and yet resounding point: we all see ourselves as less than perfect and that hurts; we want better. Our shortcomings weigh upon us and from time to time, even seem to push us down. However, there is always hope. Hope that things will turn out better. Hope that it's just not all that bad after all. And, as Marty finds out, hope often needs a helping hand. We have to act on what we feel is the right thing to do, despite everything else telling us we shouldn't or can't or aren't good enough. Because in the end, (and never really say this to a woman you're dancing with, gentlemen), "you're not such a dog as you think you are." Oh, and someday I'd love to see this story (much less drawn out) from a woman's point of view in the same era. Any writers out there?
Rating:
Summary: Whatever women are looking for, "I ain't got it".
Review: Everyone in the world is looking for love. Children seek love from the parents and friends. High school girls desire a boy to love them. Husband and wives long to love each other. Sometimes this desire is met. Many times it is not. The movies are filled with this universal search. But very often it is sloppily done.
Not so in MARTY. MARTY is one of the most rare films ever to come out of Hollywood. It was made in a period in which the studios seemed to churn out one great picture after another. Even the most uninteresting films of the era were more inspired than the majority of garbage shoveled out of the studios nowadays. But even in that Golden Era, MARTY was different.
The movie revolves around Marty Piletti (Ernest Borgnine). Marty is a 30-something butcher who has virtually given up trying to find the right woman. After years of going to clubs and dance halls seeking to find a woman that he can get along with, he now spends most of his weekends sitting at his friends' homes watching tv. Marty lives owns his own butcher shop and being the dutiful son and lives with his mother (in a culture where it would seem children and parents mutually abandon each other, this might be the most non-understable concept for many). After a disagreement with said parent, Marty goes to a famous dance club to appease her. While there, Marty meets a young teacher named Clara Snyder (Betsy Blair). Marty and Clara strike it off right away and as the night begins to turn into day, the couple wander from one part of the city to another. It would seem that both Clara and Marty had finally found the love they were looking for. But, years of self-doubt and bad advice from friends sets in. The question they have struggled with for years comes back is raised again, "Can someone as unattractive as me really be loved?" The answer lies in the movies conclusion.
MARTY is a very heartwarming, honest, sincere romantic movie. It was made 50 years ago, yet it still resonates with audiences still today. The film is very true; very human. It touches at the core of our soul and stirs are hearts. It is a truly moving movie, yet one that isn't sentimental or sappy.
Ernest Borgnine won a Best Actor Oscar and his performance is well deserved. Very seldom has an everyman been captured so well on film. The movie could have been Betsy Blair's comeback film, but even after such a performance, Hollywood refused to erase her from the blacklist and though she received a Best Actress nomination, she would be living in Europe just three years later--outcasted from American show business. The movie was written by Paddy Chayefsky and was based off a teleplay that had earlier aired on television. Chayefsky's writing is pure genius and is the essence of what makes the film work.
Besides winning the 1956 Academy Award for Best Picture and just being a great, moving movie, MARTY is also signifcant for several other reasons. It is the only movie to have won both the Best Picture Oscar and the Cannes Palme d'Or. MARTY is also the only movie in Hollywood history that the filmmakers spent more money on the movie's Award campaign than they did on the actual making of the movie. At a running time of 93 minutes, it is also the shortest running time of any Academy Award Best Picture winner. Not bad for a love story about a simple butcher.
Rating: 
Summary: Academy Award winner?????
Review: Have you ever sat through a movie and the only thought racing through your mind is "It has to get better somewhere"? This is one of those movies. The acting is very good (which is why I didn't give it 1 star), but the story line is quite boring. Mom pressures bashful live-at-home son to find true love, he finds girl to date, friends are narrow-minded and don't think she's pretty enough, pressue boy to dump girl. I just have to listen to my friends lives to hear this kind of story.
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