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One of our favorite Frank Sinatra movies, this jazz laced, film noirish, edgy drama could very well be one of Sinatra's best entries. Produced and directed by noted film maker Otto Preminger features a completely terrific cast including Darren McGavin (Kolchak, The Night Stalker, The Delicate Delinquent), Kim Novak (Vertigo, Pal Joey), Eleanor Parker (Scaramouche, Caged), plus great character actors featuring Arnold Stand, Robert Strauss and John Conte. Throw in an a nearly over the top, rhythmically punctuated sound track by the renown Elmer Bernstein and the result is one cool movie indeed.

Sinatra plays recovering addict Frankie Machine (Alias; Jack Duvall) returning home only to find himself in a situation where all odds are against him and is a man seemingly bound to fail. In our story Frankie is determined to pull himself out of his old ways, but nonetheless it isn't long before the people around him seem to draw him back into his foreseeable addictions. With aspirations to become a big band drummer his only hope appears to be with his old girlfriend Molly (Kim Novak) who has appeared to move on with her life in Frankie's absence. Without the ability within himself to move forward in his life Frankie is easy prey for dealer Louie (McGavin) and his cohorts. An important audition to play drums in a big band (look for quick cameo appearances by musician Shorty Rogers and noted Jazz drummer Shelly Manne) is eventually thwarted and Frankie is soon facing bigger problems. Back to reviving his past of abuse, the pinnacle of this movie featuring Frankie with help from girlfriend Molly, going cold turkey to try and break free of his habit once and for all.

Filmed in 1955 in black and white The Man with Golden Arm offers good conflict between its characters, plus some real chemistry between Frankie and Molly. Moreover, Molly is supportive of Frankie, yet tough and unwilling to compromise herself to Frankie's weaknesses. Darren McGavin's characterization of dealer Louie is excellent, and is hard not to like in this movie. Overall, it may be obvious that this movie has become dated and Frankie's story may not be considered shocking as it would have been during its time. However, in retrospect this movie still has plenty to offer for today's audiences; unfolding to us a well-told story of individual determination featuring a thoroughly enjoyable cast. "The Man with the Golden Arm" is certainly not one to be missed for any serious Frank Sinatra movie buff.

The Man with the Golden Arm
Starring;
Frank Sinatra as Frankie Machine
Kim Novak as Molly
Eleanor Parker as Zosch, Frankie's Sister
Arnold Stang as Sparrow
Darrin McGavin as Louie
Robert Strauss as Schwiefka
Doro Merande as Vi
George E. Stone as Sam Markette
George Mathews as Williams,
Emile Meyer as the Police Detective
Leonid Kinskey as Dominiwski

Directed by: Otto Preminger
Music by: Elmer Bernstein
Screenplay by: Walter Newman and Lewis Meltzer
Cinematography by: Sam Leavitt
Run time: 119 mins
Filmed: 1955 in Black and White

Movie Review by: Webmaster