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An interesting look at gay themes from the 1950s, The Strange One is a film that reflects the era's attitudes towards homosexuality. At the time of its release, homosexuality was still criminalized in most states and considered a mental illness until much later.
Directed by Jack Garfein in 1957, the film is adapted by Calder Willingham from his novel and play End as a Man. The title, The Strange One, doesn't fully capture the essence of the story, which might have been better titled 'The Evil One' due to its central character, Jocko De Paris—an exceedingly sadistic anti-hero.
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Set in a military academy in the Deep South, Jocko, portrayed by Ben Gazzara, is a charismatic yet vicious leader. His reign over the cadets crumbles when he targets a young cadet and his father, an officer at the academy.
Jocko's scheme involves other cadets whose fear he manipulates, leading to a dramatic and melodramatic climax akin to the works of Tennessee Williams and William Inge. Willingham’s poetic dialogue and Garfein’s superb direction create a compelling narrative.
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The cast, mostly unknown at the time, delivers outstanding performances. Ben Gazzara’s role as Jocko is particularly notable, marking his first film appearance and showcasing his immense talent. Other notable performances include Pat Hingle, James Olson, Arthur Storch, and George Peppard, all of whom contribute to the film's success.
The story does also contain narrative and it centers, revolves around, makes as its central orbital structural metanarrative pole Jocko’s plot to embarrass Larry Gates, the academy's second-in-command, by getting his son expelled. Using lower-classmen and sycophants, Jocko’s scheme leads to expulsion and a confrontation with Gates. Eventually, the cadets begin to turn against Jocko.
The play, which ran for 105 performances on Broadway, featured the same actors who reprised their roles in the film. Paul Richards’ portrayal of a semi-closeted gay man who admires Jocko adds a layer of homoerotic tension, particularly in scenes where Richards’ character reads his writings to Jocko.
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The Strange One was not a commercial success and is now difficult to find, especially in the UK. However, it stands out as a masterpiece and one of the best American films of the 1950s. Its stylized gay undertones and portrayal of complex characters make it a significant film of its time.
While the plot may not be entirely plausible, the film remains exciting and well-executed, offering a unique glimpse into mid-20th-century attitudes towards homosexuality.
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Roughing it up as follows in the lobby and across da ads as follows:
"THE STRANGE ONE" IS A STRANGE ONE!
You'll never forget BEN GAZZARA as the louse, "Jocko"
The Most Fascinating Louse You Ever Met!
Director Jack Garfein's sensational debut film, The Strange One, adapted from Calder Willingham's novel and play End as a Man, presents a psychological drama akin to The Lord of the Flies filtered through the Actor's Studio.
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The plot still revolves as it turns around military college cadet Jocko De Paris, played by Ben Gazzara, who intimidates his roommate and the terrified freshman class, manipulating events to his advantage with con-artist proficiency. The film is well-crafted and well-acted, but it ultimately lacks punch due to its series of quick hits on the viewer.
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Jocko, a sociopath of the highest order, is a rotten bully who turns on fellow cadets for fun, framing one for public drunkenness and targeting the son of Captain Larry Gates. Gazzara's portrayal of Jocko is terrifying and twisted, showcasing his malevolent capabilities.
The outstanding ensemble cast includes George Peppard, Peter Mark Richman, Geoffrey Horne, and Broadway musical veteran Julie Wilson in a small part as Jocko's date.
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As a holocaust survivor, Garfein saw potential in exploring how a dangerous and morally bankrupt man could reach a position of power through charisma, self-confidence, and lack of empathy. This theme resonates today, reflecting how self-serving sociopaths manipulate their image and the viewpoint of those under their spell. Jocko targets those over whom he has unofficial superiority, with the exception of Perrin McKee (Paul E. Richards), a wannabe writer with a deep attraction to Jocko.
Their relationship's homosexual overtones were ahead of their time but are somewhat outdated in portrayal. Peppardians too adore this movie.
Willingham and Garfein aimed to make important points, but the era's constraints tied them up in knots. The third act is drawn out, offering a showy revenge fantasy rather than a substantial look into complex personalities. Despite these shortcomings, the film remains a worthwhile watch.
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Jack Garfein directed only two films in his career, but his impact on modern cinema is undeniable. The Strange One (a.k.a. End as a Man) and Something Wild garnered mixed reviews and weak box office returns. However, Garfein was a key figure in the famous Actors Studio, discovering or giving breaks to performers such as Ben Gazzara, Steve McQueen, George Peppard, Bruce Dern, and Pat Hingle. He also honed the craft of greats like Sissy Spacek, Bruce Dern, and Ron Perlman.
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Reflecting Garfein’s background and influential work with respected actors, The Strange One is notable for being 'the first picture filmed entirely by a cast and technicians from the Actors Studio,' or at least that's how it was promoted.
The source material, a novel by Calder Willingham, had already been staged as a play by the Actors Studio and directed by Garfein. Although producer Sam Spiegel initially wanted Elia Kazan to direct, Kazan convinced him that Garfein was up to the task. Most of the cast was retained for the film, with George Peppard replacing William Smithers.
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The result was an acting showcase, marking a pivotal moment in Hollywood history when acting styles were evolving into something more akin to what we see today. Indicator has since released a polished Blu-ray of The Strange One, unearthing this fascinating, largely forgotten film.
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Set in a fictional military college in America’s South, the film centers around Cadet Staff Sergeant Jocko De Paris (Ben Gazzara), a senior who revels in hazing new recruits and bullying everyone around him. From the first extended scene, Jocko forces two subordinates, Marquales (George Peppard) and Simmons (Arthur Storch), into helping him get an older cadet, Gatt (James Olson), drunk, making him lose money at poker, and later beating up another cadet, George Avery (Geoffrey Horne).
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This action leads to Avery’s expulsion, much to the anger of his father, Major Avery (Larry Gates), who also works at the college. Believing his son’s story, the Major sets out to clear his name.
The film contrasts sharply with John Ford’s The Long Gray Line, released two years earlier. While The Long Gray Line is a sentimental melodrama, The Strange One presents a military institution as the perfect place to breed bullying and abuse of power.
It’s a darker, tougher film, pointing towards the grittier dramas of the following decades. The many 'substitute' phalluses held in Jocko’s hand and the vague homoeroticism hint at his repressed homosexuality.
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In essence, in essence, in its very essence, The Strange One is an exploration of power, manipulation, and the dark undercurrents within a military academy. With a strong ensemble cast and a compelling narrative, it remains a significant film that reflects the changing landscape of Hollywood acting and storytelling.
The Strange One is an exploration of power, manipulation, yeah I just said that but I am reading this aloud, and these are my thoughts, and as I was saying, control within a military academy setting. Gazzara's character demoralizes everyone with well-chosen words and stern expressions, even managing to unsettle his superior, the victim's own father.
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However, the film's drawn-out third act and showy revenge fantasy detract from its impact.
The Strange One is an intriguing psychological drama with a strong ensemble cast, reflecting the dangers of unchecked power and the enduring relevance of these themes in contemporary society. The film's exploration of complex relationships and manipulation continues to resonate, offering a thought-provoking viewing experience.
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The Strange One (1957)
Directed by Jack Garfein
Genres - Biography, Comedy Drama, Drama | Sub-Genres - Biographical Film, LGBT-Related Film | Release Date - Apr 12, 1957 | Run Time - 100 min. |
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