Marty

Delbert Mann and Paddy Chayefsky deliver a home-run with Marty (1955), a charming little gem. A rare male-focused romance, it's a well-crafted, enjoyable film - not the least for Ernest Borgnine's heartfelt performance.

Marty Piletti (Ernest Borgnine) is a Brooklyn butcher depressed by a lifetime of romantic failure. He ends up at a nightclub, where he runs into Clara (Betsy Blair), a meek schoolteacher who's been stood up by her date. The two spend the evening together and soon. However, Marty's friends and mother (Esther Minciotti) think she's a "dog" not worthy of his attention affection. Marty must decide whether to listen to his friends or his heart.

Marty affects me more than most romances, a believably awkward love story rather than a callow fantasy. Chayefsky's script (originally a teleplay starring Rod Steiger) is a simple but effective drama, with a pleasant eye for human interaction. Marty's anguished phone call to a prospective date, his rambling response to Clara's attentions and their awkward first kiss all seem very real. Delbert Mann's steady direction and a pleasant Roy Webb score make it an enjoyable experience but it's the characters that make it work.

Marty warmly views romance as a key to independence. Both protagonists live with their parents and are so socially awkward that a night on the town amounts to self-flagellation. Their night's flirtation, both planning to take career steps and emotional openness they've never considered before. Marty must cut loose from his fretful mother and sex-obsessed friends, lest he end up like his pathetic, bickering in-laws (Jerry Paris and Karen Steele). A night's happiness might not lead to true love, but it's an important step for Marty and Clara.

Ernest Borgnine is a revelation. Prior to this he'd been typecast as bad guys in From Here to Eternity and Vera Cruz, a persona he never quite shook off (even after McHale's Navy). Here Borgnine gives a warm, sensitive performance as a lovable Everyman. Marty's romantic frustration, self-loathing ("I'm a fat, ugly little man!"), good-heartedness and unexpected joy make him relatable, and Borgnine plays him beautifully. If this mug can find true love, then all of us have a shot.

This is Ernie's show but the supporting cast comports themselves well. Betsy Blair is heart-rending as a plain girl surprised to receive a man's attention. Esther Miniciotti (The Wrong Man) gives a layered performance, wanting Marty to be happy but fearing her own loneliness. Joe Mantell (Kelly's Heroes) makes a perfect sad sack foil to Marty.

Marty has a real warmth and humanity that sets it above your average romance. If nothing else, you'll no longer think of Ernest Borgnine as a bug-eyed creep - or as Mermaid Man.