The Man With The Golden Arm (1955)

Set in Chicago, a recovering junkie (Frank Sinatra) returns home from a stint in prison where he kicked his drug habit. But once back in the old environment, the lure of a quick fix hovers over his fight to stay clean. Based on the Nelson Algren (WALK ON THE WILD SIDE) novel, although there are so many changes from the book that Algren said the film had nothing to do with him. Directed by Otto Preminger, this was a watershed film in its graphic depiction of drug addiction in its day and surprisingly, it still retains its power. It also contains Sinatra's best film performance, a remarkable piece of acting. Alas, Eleanor Parker as Sinatra's wheel chair bound wife overplays her hand. She's over the top and so shrill, busy, busy, busy that you want scream "Sit still!" at her. In contrast, Kim Novak's underplaying is a relief from Parker's exhausting performance. The Oscar nominated landmark jazz underscore is by Elmer Bernstein. With Darren McGavin, Arnold Stang, Robert Strauss, Emile Meyer, Doro Merande and John Conte.