Marty

I saw Marty for the first time a few months back and got a real kick out of it. Written by Paddy Chayefsky, it stars Ernest Borgnine as Marty Piletti, a single, kind-hearted, overweight, butcher from The Bronx that at 34 is still living at home with his mother.

He seems to have given up on any idea of finding love at this point in his life, deeming himself too unattractive for any woman to love him.

At the prodding of his mother one Saturday night he reluctantly attends a dance at the local hall. Once there he is approached by some douchebag who offers him a couple bucks to take the dog of a blind date that he got stuck with, home.

Marty is horrified that someone could be so cruel and tells him he can't just ditch her like that! Naturally, the jerk doesn't listen to him and ends up ditching his poor date, Clara.

Marty sees her crying and feels terribly so he goes to her and attempts to comfort her. While sharing a dance they get to talking and these two lonely souls connect through their shared lack of confidence. All of the dog talk between them is pretty cute and I have to say that anyone that's ever felt like a bit of a dog themselves is going feel for them tremendously and really relate to this charming film.

In each other they find comfort and some very welcome company.


Betsy Blair and Ernest Borgnine as Clara and Marty

I have to say that as I was watching this I was repeatedly impressed with the writing. I think Chayefsky's script absolutely stands the test of time some 50 years later and that he was such a wonderful talent.

The superb writing in addition to the always adorable Ernest Borgnine left me with a smile on my face throughout. Definitely worth checking out!

-Amanda

1955, B&W
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
IMDB: 7.8/10