The Man with the Golden Arm

The Man with the Golden Arm is a dark 1955 film noir directed by Otto Preminger, presented as part of NOIR CITY: Philadelphia 2026. Frank Sinatra plays Frankie Machine, a hustler and recovering drug addict who tries to rebuild his life and pursue a career as a musician, only to find that temptation remains difficult to escape. Eleanor Parker and Kim Novak represent opposing forces in Frankie’s life, while Sinatra’s Oscar-nominated performance anchors the film’s bleak, psychologically intense story.

This screening is presented from a 35mm print preserved by the Library of Congress. Preminger’s stark direction and Sam Leavitt’s striking black-and-white cinematography emphasize the film’s grim atmosphere, with Sinatra portraying Frankie as a vulnerable, weak-willed drummer.

When: Saturday, November 14

Showtime: 11:35 a.m.

Tickets: Sold out. Standby seating may become available; check with Ambler Theater staff on site during the festival weekend. Listed prices were $15.50 general admission, $10.50 for members, and $13.50 for seniors age 62 and older or students with identification.

Run time: 119 minutes

Film: 1955, black-and-white, 35mm, 1.85:1 aspect ratio

Director: Otto Preminger

Cast: Frank Sinatra, Kim Novak, Eleanor Parker, Arnold Stang, and Darren McGavin

Screenplay: Walter Newman and Lewis Meltzer

Cinematography: Sam Leavitt

Music: Elmer Bernstein

Production: Carlyle Productions

Original distributor: United Artists

Presentation: 35mm film print preserved by the Library of Congress

Venue: Ambler Theater, 108 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, PA 19002

Venue phone: 215-345-7855