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Marty

Play trailer Poster for Marty Released May 21, 1955 1h 31m Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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Marty

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 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 Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

Marty

Marty: Official Clip - I Got Something Good Here Marty: Official Clip - I Got Something Good Here 1:15 Marty: Official Clip - College Girls Are One Step From the Street Marty: Official Clip - College Girls Are One Step From the Street 2:21 Marty: Official Clip - A Big Night of Heartache Marty: Official Clip - A Big Night of Heartache 2:14 Marty: Official Clip - All I Wanted Was a Lousy Kiss Marty: Official Clip - All I Wanted Was a Lousy Kiss 2:13 Marty: Official Clip - I Have a Feeling About You Marty: Official Clip - I Have a Feeling About You 2:59 Marty: Official Clip - We Ain't Such Dogs Marty: Official Clip - We Ain't Such Dogs 2:10 Marty: Official Clip - I Got Five Bulls Eyes Marty: Official Clip - I Got Five Bulls Eyes 0:56 Marty: Official Clip - A Little Late for a Date Marty: Official Clip - A Little Late for a Date 2:16 Marty: Official Clip - Money in the Bank Marty: Official Clip - Money in the Bank 1:42 Marty: Official Clip - What Do You Feel Like Doin' Tonight? Marty: Official Clip - What Do You Feel Like Doin' Tonight? 1:56 View more videos
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Movie Info

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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