A HATFUL OF RAIN ***

Arguably the best of all the 'Monkey-on-my-Back' movies of its period even if does grow grimmer and more hysterical as it goes on. Fred Zinnemann's "A Hatful of Rain" is based on a play by Michael V Gazzo, (Frankie Pentangeli in "The Godfather Part II), and it shows. The dialogue is faux poetry and far from naturalistic and you can see its three acts set out quite clearly.

Don Murray is the junkie, Eva Marie Saint is his dimly uncomprehending wife, Anthony Franciosa, the brother who shares their apartment and Lloyd Nolan, the father who comes visiting. They are all superb. (Franciosa got an Oscar nomination for Best Actor and Murray shows great potential here). The only other characters of note are Murray's three pushers, two of whom, Henry Silva and a young William Hickey, are also terrific.

Despite opening it up to the rain-sodden New York streets, (beautifully shot by Joe MacDonald), director Zinnemann doesn't really mess with the theatrical structure any more than he did in "The Member of the Wedding". It may not be his best film but it's certainly an essential part of his canon.