Marty (1955, dir. Delbert Mann) ***.5/****

Ernest Borgnine won an Oscar for his portrayal of Marty Piletti in Delbert Mann's 1955 classic, "Marty".  It is a rewarding picture and performance to watch.  I felt akin to Marty myself being a 34-year old, never-married, single man.  Marty is a burly, lonely, and shy butcher who has arrived at the idea that he probably will never find a partner.  He lives with his mother and spends time on the weekends with his friends trying to figure out something to do to pass the time.  One Saturday night his mother suggests that he go dancing.  At first he is reluctant but eventually he gives in and attends a ballroom with his friend Angie (Joe Mantell).  It looks like it will just be another lonely, rejection-filled night until he meets Clara (Betsy Blair) and finds much in common with her.  They spend the rest of the night talking and getting to know each other.  It looks like a perfect match.  Eventually, despite reservations from his friends and mother, he decides that she is his ideal woman and decides, in the end,  to continue  to see her.  There is much to like about "Marty."  The performances are good, and the dialogue is realistic and appropriate.  Many people will identify with the two principle characters, and they undoubtably have because "Marty" one best picture in 1955 and has gone on to become a popular hit with audiences of every generation.  The film was made over 50 years ago but it still rings true today.  It teaches us that we have to trust our heart and instincts even if they go against the opinion of our family and friends.  It also shows that everyone, anywhere can find true love if they give it a bit of effort.