A Hatful of Rain *** (1957, Eva Marie Saint, Don Murray, Anthony Franciosa) – Classic Movie Review 10,223

Hollywood takes a deep breath and tackles the drug-addiction problem in director Fred Zinnemann’s affecting, intelligent 1957 film A Hatful of Rain, with Don Murray expertly tugging at the emotions as Johnny Pope, a young husband Korean War veteran who tries to conceal his dependency on morphine from his pregnant wife Celia (Eva Marie Saint).

Excellent too are Lloyd Nolan as Murray’s uncomprehending father John Pope Sr and Anthony Franciosa as his helpful, protective hard-drinking brother Polo, though he is in love with Celia. After being nominated for a Tony Award for his performance as Polo in the original Broadway production, Franciosa was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award as Polo in the film.

Director Zinnemann handles it in a convincing and dignified style that makes plenty of impact without sensationalising the subject. There is also some notable character acting. It is William Hickey’s film debut (as Apples), while Henry Silva and Gerald S O’Loughlin also make their mark as Johnny’s dealer ‘Mother’ and his beatnik sidekick Chuch.

The screenplay is co-written by Michael V Gazzo [Michael Vincente Gazzo] from his own play, along with Alfred Hayes and Carl Foreman.

Blacklisted screenwriter Carl Foreman was originally uncredited.

Also in the cast are Paul Kruger, Ralph Montgomery, Michael Vale, Art Fleming, William Tannen, Herb Vigran, William Bailey, Norman Willis and Rex Leese.

Eva Marie Saint won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in Elia Kazan’s On the Waterfront (1954), but is for ever Eve Kendall in North by Northwest (1959).

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 10,223

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