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Jul 29, 2012Monolith rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I selected this one based on the cast, (Marvin, Ryan, Bridges), and the director, John Frankenheimer (Birdman of Alcatraz, The Manchurian Candidate, etc.). I was completely unaware of its content, or its length. ...One minute shy of four hours. FOUR. HOURS. Act one was somewhat brutal, the cast of catatonic stiffs weren't at all appealing, (duh), and I didn't think I could take four hours in the Bowery, circa 1912, with this motley crew of wretched sots and tarts, incessantly bickering with each other. But, I don't like to bail on movies, because I feel like I might've missed out on something, so I stuck it out. And it does get better. Marvin's arrival is a relief, his energy lifts some of the gloom. His performance throughout is excellent, and unlike his mostly stereotypical macho roles, as well. Robert Ryan gives a poignant rendering of a cynical, lost soul, at the end of the line, devoid of any hope. The best work I've seen from him. Affecting. 24 year old Jeff Bridges is very good... still kinda wet behind the ears, and the entire supporting cast, especially Frederic March as 'Harry Hope' (funny) is exceptional. For a bleak and lengthy stage play, it's actually quite good. It grows on you as you become familiar with the characters and the premise. TV's "Boss Hog" from "The Dukes of Hazzard" as the cackling wingnut 'Hugo' lightened things up a bit. I wouldn't recommend this to any manic-depressives, though...