The Strange One

The Strange One is a curiously neglected film - almost as forgotten as its director - not least because it featured the striking screen debut of Ben Gazzara, who, though he would (and does) deny it, was the über-method actor of his day.

In retrospect, he looks stylistically far more influential than other alumni of Lee Strasberg's Actors' Studio (such as Brando and Dean, who were simply uniquely gifted) in demonstrating a naturalism new to American movie acting which can be seen in the films of Cassavetes (for whom he worked) and the independent movement generally. Even more curious then is the stardom that never quite materialised. All of which makes this revival of the film, impeccably restored by Sony-Columbia from the original negative, doubly welcome, because it is also a very good picture.

In Calder Willingham's adaptation of his own novel and play, End As a Man, Gazzara reprises his stage role as a sadistic and vengeful senior cadet in a Southern military academy, who manipulates and corrupts fellow cadets to bring down an arch-enemy. Supported by a strong cast (George Peppard is another debutant), his portrait of fiendish arrogance is wholly convincing in an atmospheric study of institutional brutalisation marred only by a slightly wobbly ending.

Clyde Jeavons