In one of the best roles of his long career, Ernest Borgnine gives a stellar performance in 1955's Academy Award-winning film, Marty. Not usually given romantic parts, Borgnine is powerful and touching as the male lead in this film. He stars as Marty Piletti, a shy and lonely bachelor looking for someone to share his life. He is hindered, however, by the fact that women so not seem attracted to him. He feels it is because of his somewhat ordinary physical appearance as well as his lack of social skills. Actually, Marty has a great deal to offer a someone who values sensitivity and kindness in a man. But, his clumsiness and inarticulate manner make his encounters very painful and fruitless.

Having been rejected often, Marty is at the point of giving up on finding the woman for him. He merely "goes through the motions" in his dealings with women, knowing that his encounters will not end favorably. Helping to frustrate Marty are his nagging mother and relatives, who constantly harp on the fact that at thirty-five Marty still remains unmarried.

After yet another "nagging session" with his mother (Esther Minciotti), Marty agrees to return to the Stardust Ballroom in yet another effort to meet "nice" women. While there, Marty meets Clara (Betsy Blair), a shy and lonely teacher, who is there on a blind date. Clara's date decides that she is not the type of girl he is looking for and tries to bribe Marty to take her off his hands. Knowing firsthand the sting of rejection, Marty refuses. Later, seeing that the girl is alone and humiliated, he asks Clara to dance. After a while together, the two realize that they are very much alike and enjoy the evening. Hours of walking, talking and laughing follow, resulting in both feeling a strong bond. During their time together, they have laid bare their hopes and dreams to each other, with Marty even admitting to Clara that he cries all the time from the pain of his loneliness.

Feeling that he has found his true soulmate, Marty introduces Clara to his family, expecting that they will be delighted he has found someone with whom he can share a serious relationship. However, Marty finds that his family is not at all pleased with his choice. His mother sees Clara as a rival, thinking that a relationship between the two will leave her alone.

Other family members are equally displeased with Clara and voice their displeasure, partly because of the unhappiness in their own lives. Even Marty's best friend Angie (Joe Mantell) sees Clara as a threat to their relationship and voices his opposition, calling her "a dog". Marty, for the first time, finds himself torn between his loyalty to his family and friends and something he wants desperately--happiness. He must decide whether to listen to them or his heart.

For those familiar with Borgnine's work in other films, this is a pleasant change, even though it seems he was made for this role. Usually cast as violent, even demented characters, his mastery of this quiet and gentle man is magnificent and his versatility is beautifully showcased in this film. The supporting cast also gives wonderfully realistic performances, adding to the emotional impact of the film.

Marty is a romantic and heartwarming film without syrupy sentimentality. It conveys realities of many human issues from parent-child relationships to lack of self-esteem. This wonderful black and white film won Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Writing (Paddy Chayefsky), Best Director (Delbert Mann) as well as nominations for Best Actress, Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography.

Marty is one of Hollywood's most acclaimed films and a must-see for every film-lover.



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