This is reportedly the best of Criterion's "Golden Age of Television" (and one of the best of 1950's television in general). I don't think I can avoid comparing it to the later film version, also directed by Delbert Mann. What I preferred about this version was the tight running time. There's a lot less fat, especially regarding the secondary characters. However, what's missing is the development of the connection between Marty and Clara. Here we don't really get a feel that these two care for each other at all except as a barrier against future loneliness. It seems to reinforce the idea that single, desperate people should "settle" for the first willing partner to come along. And this apparently goes against popular opinion, but I really prefer Borgnine's performance over Steiger's. Steiger may be a bit more realistic and introverted, but Borgnine is far more enjoyable and interesting. I dunno, I get feeling this movie is praised mainly for what it did in its time and its medium, but doesn't really hold up well against its filmic counterpart.
Review of Marty
