Otto Preminger defied the Code with this pioneering look at drug addiction, featuring a stylish rendering of the post-war hipster milieu, a crisp jazz soundtrack, and a remarkable Sinatra.
Crooked card dealer Frankie Machine (Sinatra), a junkie trying to stay clean, is back in town after six months in rehab. He wants to try his luck as a jazz drummer, but his resentful, crippled wife Zosch (Parker) demands that he return to his old job. Frankie later falls hard for B-girl Molly
(Novak), and pursues his musical dreams in secret at her place. Finally securing an audition, he attempts to leave his old racket, but his boss (Strauss) prevails upon him to handle one l...
Released:
1955
Rated:
NR
Length:
119 mins