Marty is a 1955 film directed by Delbert Mann and starring Ernest Borgnine and Betsy Blair. This film is known for its simplicity and the depth of its characters, and it has become a much-loved movie classic among audiences.

Plot

The story follows Marty Piletti (played by Ernest Borgnine), a simple man, an Italian-American butcher living in the Bronx, New York. Marty, a shy and gentle man, often feels ostracized and alone because of his failures with women. His family and friends constantly try to push him to find a mate, but Marty feels insecure and inadequate.

One night, Marty meets Clara (played by Betsy Blair), a shy and insecure schoolteacher, at a dance club. The two feel attracted to each other and begin spending time together, discovering a deep reciprocity based on understanding and acceptance.

However, Marty faces social pressures and the expectations of others and must struggle while trying not to let his insecurity and fear of being judged by others overwhelm him as he tries to find the courage to follow his feelings.

The film explores themes of authenticity, love, and self-esteem as Marty tries to find happiness and meaning in his life. The simplicity of the plot and the depth of the characters made "Marty" an emotional film and a landmark in cinema.

Cast

• Ernest Borgnine as Marty Piletti, the title character, a shy Italian-American butcher resigned to not finding a soul mate.
• Betsy Blair as Clara, a shy school teacher who is also shy.
• Joe Mantell as Angie, Marty's best friend, who helps explore the theme of loneliness.
• Esther Minciotti plays Marty's mother, representing family pressure on marriage expectations.
• Augusta Ciolli as Aunt Caterina, another character who emphasizes family dynamics.

Director: Delbert Mann, known for his ability to direct intense dramas and complex characters.

Screenplay: Paddy Chayefsky, known for his intense and provocative work, provided a script that deeply explores themes of love, loneliness and social acceptance.

Producer: Harold Hecht, a key figure who resolutely wanted the construction of the film with the features concurred with by director Delbert Mann

Soundtrack: Roy Webb, whose work added emotional atmosphere and depth to the film through his score.

Awards:

• Oscar for best film.
• Oscar for best director for Delbert Mann
• Oscar for best actor for Ernest Borgnine
• Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival

Box office: Specific details on box office takings are not available, however, "Marty" was enthusiastically received by both critics and audiences upon its release, becoming a beloved and respected classic over the years.

Critics' Reception

Marty is one of those films, like Casablanca, that will never be forgotten for its content of great humanity, for the intense acting of the protagonists in moments of psychological pressure, but at the same time very simple and natural. One forgets that it is a film and experiences the emotions the film conveys as if they were real, and this only happens in films directed with great talent.  The script is so natural and interesting that it does not leave a moment's pause. Excellent acting by all the actors, from her friend Angie to her mother, but all were very good and were directed with intelligence and sensitivity. 

It is an astonishing film, seen today, considering the bleakness of most of the works (I can't call them films) catapulted into theaters or big pay streamers where the effort to keep the viewer awake by providing as much content as possible of diseducation, violence, sex, perversion, nastiness and, a lesser evil, bad taste, is perceptible.

The film explores themes of loneliness, social expectations and the search for love and connection. It received wide critical acclaim upon its release and won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor for Ernest Borgnine's performance as Marty. "Marty" remains a beloved classic in American cinema, celebrated for its sincere storytelling and authentic portrayal of everyday life.