Amazon.com: Originally broadcast as a 50-minute drama on Philco Television Playhouse in 1953, Marty ensured Paddy Chayefsky's status as one of the greatest writers of television's golden age. When Chayefsky, director Delbert Mann, and actor Ernest Borgnine reunited for this 90-minute film version, the play had been polished with extra scenes, further perfecting Chayefsky's timeless study of loneliness and heartbreak. And the film, in which Borgnine excels as the single, 35-year-old "fat and ugly" butcher Marty Pilletti, received well-deserved Oscars® for Best Picture, Director, Actor, and Screenplay. Although Chayefsky's central theme is the pain of being unwanted (as felt by Marty himself as well as his elderly Aunt Catherine, who's become a burden to her married daughter), the film is never somber or depressing, and achieves a rare quality of honesty, humor, and hopefulness without resorting to artifice or sentiment.
Marty's just about given up on love when he meets plain-looking Clara (Betsy Blair), a 29-year-old teacher who's endured similar cycles of rejection. Much of Marty explores the simple decency of these characters, their admirable qualities and mutual connection, and the slow escalation of self-esteem that will hold them together. Marty is a supremely compassionate film, but it's also an entertaining one, trimmed (like a good butcher's meat) of any dramatic fat. And although Blair (who earned an Oscar nomination) is superb in her role, it's worth noting that she's more conventionally "attractive" than Nancy Marchand (late of The Sopranos), who played Clara with arguably greater authenticity in the original 1953 telecast. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - 10 Stars
This is how good this movie really is. I wish we could go up to 10 Stars in our reviews. I'm a classic cinema buff and "Marty" is a must-have in anyone's movie collection. From the writing to the directing to Ernest Borgnine's acting = all I can say is WOW. I fell in love with Marty Piletti, a homely guy with low self-esteem, a pushy Italian Mamma and a heart of gold. The true mark of a masterpiece is when the viewer is inmersed in the story and emotionally connects with the characters on screen. 'Marty' accomplishes this and more and I wish that more viewers would take the time to view gems ... Read More
Rating: - I Love MARTY
The movie MARTY was great. It deserved to win Best Picture Ireceived the package in 48 hours. Thank you Amazon.
Rating: - Heartwarming and hopeful
What a great story! This film captures the very heart of what it is to be lonely, find love, and sacrifice. I fell in love with this movie after one showing. The different elements that are in his life, exaggerate his lonesome life. Although he has a group of friends, they are living the sad, lonely, life as well. I like the fact that this new relationship mirrors his life as to what it is...and he can get a clearer picture of it and make the change. This is a great movie and I highly recommend it.
Rating: - enjoy the sunnyside of life
"Marty" is one of those movies that everyone can appreciate because it has such a universal message. Every time I watch this sleeper hit it makes me cry because it's uplifting and a little sentimental. Mr. Ernest Borgnine was amazing as the lonely and self-described lifelong bachelor. It was especially riveting to watch the transformation as Marty shifted from his everyday persona to his passionate and private self. Mr. Borgnine was able to turn on his different moods like a light switch or a faucet because it just happened instantaneously which such a flow.
Rating: - Surprisingly Good Film! Too Bad About the DVD!
This film is surprising because it shows that you don't need sex, non-stop action, car chases, guns and gratuitous violence in a film to have a good time watching it. The storyline is so simple and probably happens many times all over the world everyday: how to find your soulmate and so avoid the scary thought of being lonely and alone for the rest of your life? Because the theme is so universal and is identifiable to most people, you end up truly relating and feeling with Borgnine's and Blair's respective characters. This also means that the film ages well and remains entertaining for adult audiences ... Read More
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