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Some Came Running Blu-ray Review

“Some Came Running” is a meandering film with great performances.

Based on the novel by James Jones, 1958’s “Some Came Running” is a melodrama that revolves around a WWII veteran (Dave) who is headed back to his hometown of Parkman, Indiana. Upon getting off a bus foggy and hungover, he discovers he traveled with a naive young woman (Ginny) who is in love with him (despite having a very jealous boyfriend named Ray already). Dave’s homecoming isn’t so welcoming as trouble seems to find him. He’s also at a crossroads in life as he has quit writing and has taken to drinking alcohol. While roaming around town, he befriends a hat obsessed gambler and drinker named Bama and falls for a school teacher (Gwen). Will Dave find a purpose in life or will things come crashing down?

Director Vincente Minnelli was largely known for musicals, but he ventured into adult drama territory with “Some Came Running.” As a post-war story, the film does delve into themes of reputations, heartbreak and loneliness, but the talky character piece is largely uneventful and drifts about for far too long (136 minutes to be exact). You’re left wanting something more from the often dour story in which unhappy characters deny their feelings and wander about aimlessly (even if that’s the point). At least there’s an Elmer Bernstein score to listen to throughout.

One aspect that doesn’t fall short is the acting. Frank Sinatra gives one of the best performances of his career as the layered character Dave. It’s a very mature and deep performance from the entertainer. Dean Martin is in fine form and plays well off of Sinatra (as to be expected). Shirley MacLaine is fantastic here and justifiably earned an Oscar nomination for her work. Arthur Kennedy (as Dave’s brother Frank) and Martha Hyer (as Gwen) were also nominated for Oscars for their vital supporting roles. Hyer’s final scene with Sinatra is especially memorable.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.4:1 1080p. How does it look? Another nice crisp transfer from Warner Archive for this Cinemascope and Metrocolor film.

Audio Track 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? A solid track that is a bit snowy in parts.

Extras include a theatrical trailer and a featurette titled “The Story of Some Came Running.”

October 26, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | 50's Movie, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Melodrama, Oscars, Shirley MacLaine, Some Came Running Blu-ray Review, Vincente Minnelli