Cast and Crew: Paddy Chayefsky (Writer); Harold Hecht and Burt Lancaster (Producers); Joe Mantell, Jerry Paris

What It’s About: Marty (Ernest Borgnine) is a 34-year-old butcher who lives with his mother (Esther Mincotti).  All of his siblings are married, which in the 1950s Bronx means he is under constant pressure to find the right girl.  When Marty and fellow “dog” Clara (Betsy Blair) meet and immediately hit it off will Marty give in to his mother’s anxiety about being abandoned and his friends disdain for Clara’s looks?

Why Watch it Today?:Today is star Ernest Borgnine‘s 95th birthday.  Marty is one of Borgnine’s few leading roles, earning him an Oscar for his portrayal of a good man trying to make the right decision while surrounded by people who take him for granted or who only think of women as prey to be judged by their looks and how far they will go.  You can read our full review here.

Where to Get It:  Netflix (rental only), Amazon and iTunes, or your local public library

Let Burt Lancaster tell you why you should see it:

Other Choices:  Ernest Borgnine is also great in previous Movies of the Day The Wild Bunch, Willard, and From Here to Eternity.