Marty

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Marty

Released May 21, 1955

1h 31m

Drama

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

76 Reviews

87%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

This acclaimed romantic drama follows the life of Marty Piletti (Ernest Borgnine), a stout bachelor butcher who lives with his mother (Esther Minciotti) in the Bronx. Always unlucky in love, Marty reluctantly goes out to a ballroom one night and meets a nice teacher named Clara (Betsy Blair). Though Marty and Clara hit it off, his relatives discourage him from pursuing the relationship, and he must decide between his family's approval or a shot at finding romance.

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Critics Consensus

Scriptwriter Paddy Chayefsky's solid dialogue is bolstered by strong performances from Ernest Borgnine and Betsy Blair in this appealingly low-key character study.

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Richard L. Coe

Washington Post

What makes this rare is that it is realistic without being sordid. It records with honest eye, ear and heart a few simple people in their own simple setting and finds life wonderful.

Aug 2, 2022

Full Review

Pauline Kael

The New Yorker

You have to have considerable tolerance to make it through Chayefsky's repetitive dialogue, his insistence on the humanity of "little" people, and his attempt to create poetry out of humble, drab conversations.

Jul 28, 2022

Full Review

Jean Yothers

Orlando Sentinel

Marty will give you a heartening slice of life, full of honesty and humor.

Oct 18, 2021

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Mark Johnson

Awards Daily

Ernest Borgnine delivers a masterful portrayal off a lonely and self-doubting bachelor, whose quest for happiness becomes an endearing exploration.

Jun 14, 2023

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Edouard de Laurot

Film Culture

Ironically enough, this film, whose intention is clearly to provide insights into a social milieu and its problems, actually encourages an unquestioning conformity in the public through the innocuousness of its presentation.

Aug 2, 2022

Full Review

Peter Canavese

Celluloid Dreams

Classic Paddy Chayefsky script and a charming and interesting examination of people who don't normally get movies devoted to them.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jul 24, 2022

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Stephen C

Success in 1 hour and 31 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/12/25

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Alain E

The movie is not very old. It was released in 1955. I am kidding, as that was my birth year. Sadly, I agree with Pauline Kael. Unclear how it accumulated all the awards. But I got some dating tips: when you first meet a woman at a gathering, as an encouragement you tell her “you are not such a dog!” Heavens! 35 minutes is all I could tolerate.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

06/28/25

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Mark F

A sad and sweet little movie about two lonely hearts that have been left on the shelf, finding each other just when they had almost given up hope. The performances are great, and while not the classic that 'It's A Wonderful Life' is, it has the same poignancy while being ultimately uplifting. My only complaint is that the movie is too short at 90 minutes. I felt there was a little more story to tell - did Marty smooth things over with his Mum, did he start his own business, did Clara take the promotion? The movie's ending suggests it all works out as you would hope, but it's too abrupt.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/22/25

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Ben L

Fantastic movie..this is Saturday night Fever..1955 style. Incredible..EB is great..the entire cast..and the BRONX..shine! Money in the Bank man…

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/14/25

Full Review

Jones J

Ernest Borgnine delivers a wonderfully charming performance as the all-too-likable Marty. With poignant direction and brilliantly-written dialogue, this film serves as a unique experience, filled to the brim with charm and heart. Delbert Mann’s Best Picture Winner is sure to make you smile and lighten up your life for a simple ninety minutes.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/29/24

Full Review

Christopher S

One of the best films of all time, the perfect film to understand a young man's real reactions to finding love.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/21/24

Full Review

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Delbert Mann

Director

Ernest Borgnine

Marty Pilletti

Betsy Blair

Clara

Joe Mantell

Angie

Esther Minciotti

Mrs. Pilletti

Augusta Ciolli

Aunt Catherine

Marty: Official Clip - I Got Something Good Here

1:15

Marty: Official Clip - College Girls Are One Step From the Street

2:21

Marty: Official Clip - A Big Night of Heartache

2:14

Marty: Official Clip - All I Wanted Was a Lousy Kiss

2:13

Marty: Official Clip - I Have a Feeling About You

2:59

Marty: Official Clip - We Ain't Such Dogs

2:10

Marty: Official Clip - I Got Five Bulls Eyes

0:56

Marty: Official Clip - A Little Late for a Date

2:16

Marty: Official Clip - Money in the Bank

1:42

Marty: Official Clip - What Do You Feel Like Doin' Tonight?

1:56

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Synopsis

This acclaimed romantic drama follows the life of Marty Piletti (Ernest Borgnine), a stout bachelor butcher who lives with his mother (Esther Minciotti) in the Bronx. Always unlucky in love, Marty reluctantly goes out to a ballroom one night and meets a nice teacher named Clara (Betsy Blair). Though Marty and Clara hit it off, his relatives discourage him from pursuing the relationship, and he must decide between his family's approval or a shot at finding romance.

Director: Delbert Mann
Producer: Harold Hecht
Screenwriter: Paddy Chayefsky, Paddy Chayefsky
Distributor: United Artists
Production Co: United Artists
Genre: Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 21, 1955, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2008
Runtime: 1h 31m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)

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