Some Came Running (1958 Vincente Minnelli)

Dear aspiring TV and film directors,

If thinking about using the 2.35:1 aspect ratio, please take a moment to study the work of classic film makers like Minnelli and cameraman Bill Daniels to see how intelligently they use the frame.

Sinatra, Martha Hyer, Arthur Kennedy, Leora Dana and Larry Gates

Sinatra, MacLaine, Steve Peck

There's often something else going on in the background. One of the kids on the corner comes into the following scene.

And not only the frame - Minnelli holds the camera to create long takes in which we feel the scene. Here, isn't it great how MacLaine actually follows Sinatra into the wardrobe, so keen on him is she:

Great moment of red (anger). Camera then follows Peck out into the carnival:

Based on a novel by 'From Here to Eternity' author James Jones, adapted by John Patrick and Arthur Sheekman, really well acted and put together. Plot emerges slowly, has surprises. Lighting also very creative, as when it dips into darkness. Kennedy was in Peyton Place, A Summer Place, Hyer in Sabrina. MacLaine, Kennedy and Hyer all Oscar nominated, Betty Lou Keim is the daughter. Sinatra and Dean Martin were reportedly fairly new friends at the time. Boy, those two characters sure do drink a lot.

'Martini doesn't disappear your problems, but it does reduce their size.'