The film begins with Frankie Machine (Frank Sinatra) returning home after a six-month stint in a federal narcotics hospital. Rehabilitated by his time "on the inside," Frankie, now clean and determined to stay that way, has learned to play the drums and is hopeful of obtaining a job with a local band; however, it soon becomes clear that his old supplier, Louie (Darren McGavin), and his unscrupulous former boss, Schwiefka (Robert Strauss), have no intention of making the straight road an easy one for Frankie. Though Frankie swears he'll not deal cards for Schwiefka again, nor will he ever have another fix, his old pals are relentless in keeping their hold on him.
At home, Frankie's paralyzed wife, Zosh (Eleanor Parker), reminds him continually that it was his drunk driving that landed her in her wheelchair. Controlling and clinging, and wanting Frankie to stay in the same bad-news surroundings which led to his drug addiction, Zosh discourages him about the potential band job. Knowing that as long as she stays wheelchair-bound, Frankie's guilt will keep him with her, Zosh doesn't want any change in the status-quo. If Frankie were to get a drumming gig---and be successful at it---he might make enough money for her to have treatment, and then he might leave her---so Zosh begs Frankie to keep working as Schwiefka's dealer.
With Zosh against him and Louie and Schwiefka bearing down on him, Frankie's resolve crumbles, and he heads to Louie's place for just "one fix." But one fix leads to another, and once again Frankie is hooked, because, as Louie reminds him, "the monkey never dies...when you kick him off, he just hides in a corner waiting for his turn."
On the sidelines watching Frankie's downward spiral is Molly (Kim Novak), a former girlfriend. With her love, support, and encouragement, Frankie may beat the monkey after all...or he'll die trying. How it all plays out is the balance of the film.
While The Man with the Golden Arm is a stark, ugly, non-feel-good film, it is, nevertheless, an amazing, brilliantly-acted 5-star gem. (Bold, mature-themed, well-acted adult dramas often merit 5 stars from me. A film doesn't have to be warm and fuzzy for me to love it and rate it 5 stars.) The performance of Frank Sinatra is completely beyond spectacular. I've often heard people say that they think Sinatra couldn't act, and I always beg to differ with that statement. He was very good in nearly every dramatic role I've seen him in...but here, wow, he is nothing short of brilliant. I truly believe this is, without question, the best performance of his career and that he ought to have won the Academy Award for his work here. Although he was nominated, he lost out to Ernest Borgnine; while I've seen Marty and think Mr. Borgnine did a good job there, I definitely think the win that year belonged to Sinatra (even though the phenomenal James Cagney was also nominated for Love Me or Leave Me). Here is a video clip of Frankie's withdrawal scene.
Eleanor Parker is just as stellar as Frank is...she is completely amazing as the clinging, wheelchair-bound wife. Since she had already been nominated that year for her work in Interrupted Melody, she didn't even receive a nomination for Golden Arm. Having seen both films, I think she was nominated for the wrong one. Her performance here in Golden Arm is not only Oscar nomination-worthy, but also Oscar win-worthy. (She's wonderful in Interrupted Melody too...I just think here performance here is even more exceptional.)
Robert Strauss and Darren McGavin are terrific in their roles as the low-lifes who just won't let Frankie go straight. Otto Preminger's direction is fantastic, and the Academy Award-nominated Elmer Bernstein score is interesting and exciting...escalating to a fever pitch each time Frankie goes for a fix. Truly, the score adds much to the film's intensity. A bold movie for its time---and yet still relevant for the drug addictions many struggle with today---this is a definite must-see!
Out on DVD, The Man with the Golden Arm ought to be fairly easy to track down. If you enjoy bold, realistic, mature-themed dramas, you are certain to love this film. By the way, Golden Arm is my 20 year-old son's favorite old film, and Frank Sinatra is his favorite classic film actor. (White Heat and James Cagney are a close second, but Golden Arm and Sinatra are top dog for him.)
Happy viewing!!
