Cast
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Patty McCormack
as Margaret
Richard Meade
as Frances 'Frankie' Stossel
Douglas Rutherford
as The Warden
Russ Paquette
as Vince 'Vinnie' Calzone
Mike Tancredi
as Mike
Joanna Douglas
as Mrs. Stossel
Alice Gordon
as Frankie's Girl
Gordon Grant
as Lefty
John Anthony
as Dutch
Harry Newman
as Mr. Stossel
George Taylor
as Self
Paul Carpenter
as Policeman #1
Arthur Romatz
as Policeman #2
Keith J. Leenhouts
as The Judge
Joseph Julian
as Narrator
Crew
Director
- William Martin
Producer
- William Martin
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Jacktown examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director William Martin brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1962, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Jacktown took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 62 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 110 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 45 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1962, when this film was released:
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Jacktown shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Freeway, which focuses more on action than character development, Jacktown subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Kids and Class of 1984 explore similar territory, Jacktown stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 1, 1962
- Runtime: 1h 2m
Where to Watch
