Some Came Running

Remarkable, engrossing 50s melodrama. The story is a simple one; Sinatra plays a G.I. returning home after many years' absence, during which time he's written a few unsuccessful novels and acquired a talent for gambling and drinking. Although he's brought a girl with him (MacLaine, overacting as usual) who adores him, he takes up with the local professor's daughter (Hyer), who believes in his talent and ability but doubts he can stop drinking and sleeping around. Martin is an affable presence as his friend who involves him in his gambling business. Extraordinary direction of actors, a somewhat tired script being pushed past the point of believability often enough but carefully emotionally anchored by Minnelli's hand. Nice color photography.

Not a particularly remarkable picture where Frank plays Frank, Dean Plays Dean, although the delightful and beautiful Shirley MacLaine performs as a star - and is an absolute dream.

Typical Minnelli masterpiece, as melodramatic, emotional and stylised as his more famous musicals. Lumpen James Jones novel stripped to the bone, its macho posturings shifted to anatomy of a society. Slow, repetitive narrative mirrors stagnation of such a society. Impotence, disease and writer's block all part of a wider malaise. The psychological visuals are unsurpassed, gaudy, intense floods of light, colour and composition disrupt superficial politeness. Climax one of the greatest in American cinema; the three male leads do the most difficult work of their careers. Shirley MacLaine gets hard deal, though.

I haven't read the James Jones novel on which this film is based so I can't comment on the movie as an adaption. But as a film standing alone Some Came Running was a very enjoyable experience. All the players are very convincing in their roles. Sinatra as usual mixes world weariness and hope better than just about anyone. His wonderful voice here is as good as its reputation. Shirley MacClaine who was Oscar nominated for this role is also memorable as the simple party girl with an unrequited love for Dave Hirsh. Mention must also be made of the actress who played the school teacher. She perfectly nailed some very difficult scenes that required her to subtly change beats. Dean Martin's sidekick character was also very entertaining. Highly recommended! 9/10.