The Other Guys Wanted Dames... He Wanted a Girl!

Starring: Ernest Borgnine, Betsy Blair, Esther Minciotti, Augusta Ciolli, Joe Mantell, Karen Steele, Jerry Paris, James Bell, Frank Sutton

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Ma, sooner or later, there comes a point in a man's life when he's gotta face some facts. And one fact I gotta face is that whatever it is that women like, I ain't got it." - Marty Pilletti

Why watch this? This tale relates to a lot of real people living in this crazy world.

Plot Summary: A middle-aged Bronx butcher, Marty Piletti, has reluctantly resigned himself to bachelorhood despite pressure from his family and friends. After being encouraged to go to a dance hall one Saturday night, Marty meets Clara, a lonely schoolteacher who has also been rejected in the past. As the two connect over their shared experiences, they must contend with interference from Marty's disapproving friends and family.

Dad's Preview: Everybody knows the odd man out. The one no girl wants to kiss or be seen with. I was that guy in high school. Even after making the football team, my confidence was still shot. My competitors knew exactly how to turn that against me. In this heart-rendering film, Marty is that guy, too. Ernest Borgnine, a prolific character actor for sixty years, delivers a splendid performance as a good guy down on his luck with love. The film captured four Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Borgnine for Best Actor. 

Hecht-Lancaster Productions, Steven Productions; United Artists