The Black Marble

Robert Foxworth Director: Harold Becker Harold Becker

Overview

Adapted for the screen by novelist Joseph Wambaugh himself, The Black Marble stars Robert Foxworth as a burned-out, hard-drinking cop who is teamed with idealistic lady officer Paula Prentiss. These two polar opposites wade their way through a seamy urban world of corruption and hopelessness. The film is peppered with supporting players, of which include Harry Dean Stanton, James Woods, John Hancock and Barbara Babcock.

Product Details

Release Date:	07/06/2021
UPC:	0738329254124
Original Release:	1979
Rating:	PG
Source:	Kl Studio Classics
Time:	1:53:00
Sales rank:	14,672

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Robert Foxworth	Sgt. Valnikov
Paula Prentiss	Sgt. Natalie Zimmerman
Harry Dean Stanton	Philo Sinner
Barbara Babcock	Madeline Whitfield
John Hancock	Clarence Cromwell
James Woods	Fiddler
Christopher Lloyd	Actor
Judy Landers	Pattie Mae
Pat Corley	Itchy Mitch
Paul Henry Itken	Dr. Bambarella
Richard Dix	Alex Valnikov
Dallas Alinder	Chester Biggs
Raleigh Bond	Capt. Hooker
Lou Cutell	Limpwood
Michael Dudikoff	Millie's Houseboy
Michael D. Gainsborough	Capt. Packerton
Ion Teodorescu	Iosif
Doris Belack	Married Woman
Marilyn Chris	Marvis Skinner
Jane Daly	Bullets' Girlfriend
Elizabeth Farley	Receptionist
Lidia Kristen	Russian Woman
Anne Ramsey	Bessie Callahan
Robin Raymond	Millie
Herta Ware	Grand Duchess

Technical Credits

Joseph Wambaugh

Harold Becker	Director
Susan Becker	Costumes/Costume Designer
Nicole Boisvert	Producer
Frank Capra	Producer
John Dunning	Producer
Maurice Jarre	Score Composer
Tom Mack	Asst. Director
Eddy Matalon	Producer
Owen Roizman	Cinematographer
Alfred Sweeney	Producer,Production Designer
Jean-Jacques Tarbes	Cinematographer
Didier Vasseur	Score Composer
Joseph Wambaugh	Screenwriter
Jeff Wexler	Sound/Sound Designer
Maury Winetrobe	Editor

Editorial Reviews

Whenever The Black Marble settles into its own particular groove, it grabs the viewer and provides a glimpse of what a special film it could have been. The problem is that it rarely finds that groove, and when it does, it can't manage to stay within it for more than a few moments at a time. Marble is both a black comedy and a serious look at the difficult lives of typical policemen, and every now and then these two aspects come together and create a shocking, enthralling few moments. But when they don't come together, the two genres are warring with each other, creating a film that is fairly engaging but also frustrating. Due to all of this, Marble never builds up enough steam to make it a truly satisfying viewing experience, and there are times when director Harold Becker's attempts at trying something just a little different in terms of timing and pacing result in slipshod sequences that just keep missing. However, Marble is beautifully cast. Robert Foxworth and Paula Prentiss are in top form as the unlikely duo that inevitably finds each attracted to the other, and both of these actors come up with lovely, telling bits and inventive takes on their characters that make them live and breathe. And Harry Dean Stanton's wonderfully observed villain is a delight.

All Movie Guide - Craig Butler