Der Mann mit dem goldenen arm (1955)

Der Mann mit dem goldenen arm: Directed by Otto Preminger. With Frank Sinatra, Eleanor Parker, Kim Novak, Arnold Stang. A junkie must face his true self to kick his drug addiction.

“A solid drama to begin with, u0026quot;The Man With the Golden Armu0026quot; is particularly worthwhile for Frank Sinatrau0026#39;s performance as Frankie Machine. The movie was well-conceived, and it would probably have been worth seeing with any decent lead, but Sinatra makes it even better. The story is interesting and at times compelling, as Frankie struggles against himself and his circumstances.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe story is told from the viewpoint of its era, yet the basic elements are timeless enough that the story still holds up very well. The details of Frankieu0026#39;s situation are less important than the general themes of him battling his own desires while also contending against u0026quot;friendsu0026quot; who simply want to use him for their own purposes.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSinatra was good at this kind of role, as a character with his own inner demons who must also face hostile surroundings. He channels his nervous energy into expressions and gestures that convey well what is going on inside him. The actor Sinatra deserves to be remembered for roles like this one and his roles in u0026quot;The Manchurian Candidateu0026quot; and u0026quot;From Here to Eternityu0026quot;, rather than for the insubstantial u0026#39;Rat Packu0026#39; features.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe supporting cast have simpler roles, but they do their jobs satisfactorily. The story moves at a good pace, and it is complemented by an Elmer Bernstein score which, though sometimes jarring, is appropriate. The combination works well as a whole.”