Some Came Running (1958)

Director:

Vincente Minnelli

Writers:

James Jones (novel)
John Patrick (writer) ...

Release Date:

18 December 1958 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Tagline:

Dave was back and the whole town knew that trouble- and women- were close behind!

Plot:

Dave Hirsch, a writer and army veteran, returns to 1948 Parkman, Indiana, his hometown. His prosperous brother introduces him to Gwen French...

Plot Keywords:

Writer | Hometown | Indiana | Veteran | Brother Sister Relationship

Awards:

Nominated for 5 Oscars. Another 7 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Frank Sinatra	...	Dave Hirsh
Dean Martin	...	Bama Dillert (professional gambler)
Shirley MacLaine	...	Ginnie Moorehead
Martha Hyer	...	Gwen French (schoolteacher)
Arthur Kennedy	...	Frank Hirsh
Nancy Gates	...	Edith Barclay (Frank Hirsh's secretary)
Leora Dana	...	Agnes Hirsh
Betty Lou Keim	...	Dawn Hirsh
Larry Gates	...	Prof. Robert Haven French
Steve Peck	...	Raymond Lanchak (Ginny's suitor) (as Steven Peck)
Connie Gilchrist	...	Jane Barclay (Edith's mother)
Ned Wever	...	Smitty (owner, Smitty's Bar)

Runtime:

137 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System) | 4-Track Stereo

Certification:

Canada:PA (Ontario) | USA:Approved (PCA #19154) | West Germany:16 (f) | Australia:PG | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15

Filming Locations:

Jefferson County, Indiana, USA

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Trivia:

It was during the making of this film that Shirley MacLaine found herself welcomed into what would later be called the "Rat Pack" fraternity that included Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, her co-stars in this film. Shirley MacLaine says the group known as the "Rat Pack" was actually called "The Clan" by the members while "Rat Pack" was a term given in the 1950s to Humphrey Bogart and his pals.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Dave Hirsch meets Professor French at Frank Hirsch's home they shake hands and drop their arms. In the next shot they are shaking hands again.

Quotes:

Dave Hirsh: [to bartender, as he exits and leaves a tip] Buy yourself a Quonset hut.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Le mépris (1963)

Soundtrack:

To Love And Be Loved

Excllent Drama With Memorable Characters

I haven't read the James Jones novel on which this film is based so I can't comment on the movie as an adaption. But as a film standing alone Some Came Running was a very enjoyable experience. All the players are very convincing in their roles. Sinatra as usual mixes world weariness and hope better than just about anyone. His wonderful voice here is as good as its reputation. Shirley MacClaine who was Oscar nominated for this role is also memorable as the simple party girl with an unrequited love for Dave Hirsh. Mention must also be made of the actress who played the school teacher. She perfectly nailed some very difficult scenes that required her to subtly change beats. Dean Martin's sidekick character was also very entertaining. Highly recommended! 9/10.