Some Came Running (1958)

Director: Vincente Minnelli

Writers: James Jones, John Patrick, Arthur Sheekman

Composer: Elmer Bernstein

Starring: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Shirley MacLaine, Martha Hyer, Arthur Kennedy, Nancy Gates, Leora Dana, Betty Lou Keim, Lary Gates, Steve Peck, Conie Gilchrist, Ned Wever, Carmen Phillips, Marion Ross, William Schallert

More info: IMDb

Tagline: From the bold, new novel by the author of "From Here To Eternity"

Plot: Dave Hirsch, a writer and army veteran, returns to 1948 Parkman, Indiana, his hometown. His prosperous brother introduces him to Gwen French, a local teacher. But the more flamboyant Ginny has followed him to Parkton, where he also meets gambler Bama Dillert. Dave must come to terms with his roots and with his future.

My rating:  7/10

Will I watch it again?  No.

Here's an early film for a few of the Rat Pack (MacLaine was an honorary member).  Sinatra is doing his usual 'weight of the world on his shoulders' self, Martin is his usual 'happy go lucky' self and MacLaine is her usual spirited, fun self.  And there's no a thing wrong with any of them.  They're great. The story has some of that potboiler drama stuff but the actors help move it along.  Elmer Bernstein's great jazzy score is another big piece of the equation except for the lush theme that's all but a copy of one of the themes Gustav Holst wrote for his Planets suite.  The character I didn't care for (and she's supposed to be that way) is Gwen (Hyer), the former and again love interest of Dave (Sinatra).  If she'd just get that stick out of her ass and talk to Dave...ugh.  I guess there wouldn't be much of a movie.  The ending is kind of a downer but I'm glad it went there instead of a sappy happy one.  Still, it's fun hanging out with Sinatra, Martin, MacLaine and Phillips and their gamblin' and drinkin' exploits.  Man, what it must've been like hangin' out with those cats back then.  Geez.