The Man With The Golden Arm

The censorship problem that Otto Preminger’s groundbreaking film encountered in the Fifties (particularly concerning Frank Sinatra's harrowing scenes involving drug ad... more >

The censorship problem that Otto Preminger’s groundbreaking film encountered in the Fifties (particularly concerning Frank Sinatra's harrowing scenes involving drug addiction) seem distant now – particularly as, even then, this otherwise tough film still represented a softening of Nelson Algren’s remarkable novel. Still, it remains an impressive piece: Sinatra's intense performance, Elmer Bernstein’s highly influential jazz-oriented score, Saul Bass’ revolutionary title design; all of these triumph over Preminger’s sound stage-bound production. And it’s salutary to note that a film against which the moral guardians of the day fulminated is now certificated 15 for its DVD release. The extras, as with all Ken Barnes’ Sanctuary products, are exemplary: a conversation with Elmer Bernstein is particularly valuable < less

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Film Details

Cast

Kim Novak, Frank Sinatra, Eleanor Parker

Technical Details

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