Marty

Released May 21, 1955

1 hr. 31 min.

Drama

Romance

List

96%

78 Reviews

Tomatometer

87%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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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

Cleveland E

Enjoyable, but somewhat predictable, and very slow-moving by today's standards

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/21/24

Full Review

Nanniek v

Wonderful slice of life movie

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/12/23

Full Review

Nim T

This is an old film that made Ernest Borgnine won an Oscar for Best Actor. I think that it was a deserved win as the story was simple, yet effective to inform the audience. No matter how old a movie is, as long as it gives a clear message along with great acting group, then we would have a good movie. The movie takes place at a time when American Dream is noted, where Borgnine plays a butcher making money for family, but was alone and didn't find love. With time and the right place, he was able to meet the possible love of his life. The acting was superb in that all characters were able to contribute in enhancing the movie's characteristics. Despite not having color, it doesn't prevent from the layers of acting each one has to make it realistic. A wonderfully fresh movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/25/23

Full Review

David F

This is a film about a man living in an Italian immigrant community, getting on in years, and under pressure from his mother to find a wife and get married. He's a simple butcher who spends a lot of time at bars and in an environment of toxic masculinity (his friends get their world view from Mickey Spillane, if you can believe that). When he does finally meet someone, he's jumping for joy but all of a sudden his mother's like, why can't you meet a nice Italian girl? and his friends, well, they're not too keen on the school teacher he's met and seemingly fallen in love with in just 3 hours. The film is rich in observational humour and has a well-placed heart.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The draw of this film is in its simplicity. There are no special effects, just a concise story, great acting, and some good music. Borgnine excels as socially awkward Marty, completely effusing genuine giddiness when he meets Betsy Blair's Clara.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

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

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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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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

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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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
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
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)

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