MARTY (1955) is a film that cleaned up the Oscars in 1956 including Best Actor in a Leading Role for Ernest Borgnine, Best Director for Delbert Mann, and the Best Screenplay for the immortal Paddy Chayefsky.

Borgnine, whom we usually appreciate in secondary support roles, really nailed this role of a "fat and ugly butcher" from New York's Italian neighborhood. You would think he was created for this role.

Betsy Blair, as the sensitive girl whom Marty loves and is loved in return, shines in an equally strong performance but she has been skipped by the Academy even though she was nominated for the Best Actress in a Supporting Role. What a shame.

It is partly her very credible portrayal of this vulnerable highschool teacher from Brooklyn that brought out Marty's nurturing and compassionate side in full relief. The movie also won the Best Picture award for Harold Hecht.

Let me also add that Borgnine beat the likes of Frank Sinatra, Spencer Tracy, James Dean and James Cagney that year to win the Oscar.

Marty is a movie short on plot but deep in character and emotions. Marty is a 34 yr old butcher constantly assailed for not still having married despite the fact that his younger brother married the week before.

Burnt many times in the past by rejection, he is reserved and does not want to go out and date girls. But the delicate and equally rejected girl he meets by chance at the Stardust Dancing Hall changes his life over a single Saturday night.

The subplot involving his aging mother with whom he lives and his gloomy aunt, and the fears and idiosyncrasies of both ladies with heavy accents provide a nice counterpoint to Marty's lead story.

A study in human dignity, hope and loneliness, Marty ends up on an upbeat note where even the "dogs" find the happiness they deserve in life -- especially when they have a heart of gold.