Watch The Man with the Golden Arm

The Man with the Golden Arm is a riveting drama film from 1955 that captures the gritty underbelly of Chicago's notorious drug culture. The movie stars Frank Sinatra, who delivers an emotionally charged performance as a recovering heroin addict trying to put his life back together. The film begins with Frankie Machine (Frank Sinatra) being released from prison after serving time for drug possession. He returns to his old neighborhood, eager to start fresh and leave his addiction behind. However, he soon discovers that his past demons are not as easy to escape as he hoped. Frankie's wife, Zosh (Eleanor Parker), a wheelchair-bound woman who is confined to their home, is a nagging influence on him, constantly pushing him to go back to his old ways.

Frankie's life is further complicated by his close friend, Sparrow (Arnold Stang), who constantly tempts him with the allure of the drug culture. But amidst all this turmoil, Frankie finds a glimmer of hope in the form of Molly (Kim Novak), a sensitive and caring woman who works as a cocktail waitress in a seedy nightclub. As Frankie and Molly grow closer, he starts to believe that he can make a new life for himself and finally conquer his addiction.

The Man with the Golden Arm offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of the devastating effects of drug addiction. The film is a powerful indictment of the judgmental and narrow-minded attitudes that prevailed towards addicts during that time period. It's also a stark reminder of just how challenging it can be to break free from the grip of addiction.

Frank Sinatra's performance as Frankie is nothing short of remarkable. He brings a raw vulnerability to the role that is both authentic and heart-wrenching. Sinatra's portrayal of a man struggling to overcome his addiction is a stark departure from his usual on-screen persona as a suave and confident leading man. It's a testament to his versatility as an actor.

Kim Novak delivers an equally compelling performance as Molly. Her character is a beacon of hope for Frankie, and Novak imbues her with a sensitive and nurturing quality that is truly touching. Eleanor Parker's portrayal of Zosh is also worth noting. Her character is bitter and resentful towards Frankie, yet Parker manages to infuse her with a sense of vulnerability that makes her sympathetic.

Aside from the impressive acting, The Man with the Golden Arm is also noteworthy for its groundbreaking score. The film was one of the first to use jazz music in its soundtrack, which adds an edgy and vibrant feel to the movie. The score was composed by Elmer Bernstein and features the legendary jazz drummer Shelly Manne.

In conclusion, The Man with the Golden Arm is a timeless cinematic masterpiece that has stood the test of time. It's a powerful, emotionally charged drama that explores the dark depths of addiction, while also offering a glimmer of hope and redemption. Frank Sinatra's captivating performance as Frankie, coupled with the film's groundbreaking score, make this a must-watch for anyone who appreciates great cinema.

The Man with the Golden Arm is a 1955 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 63.