Review of The Rabbit Trap (1959) by Tammy T — 09 Jul 2012

I was flipping channels one day, about a year ago, and I got hooked watching this movie. Ernest B. is understatedly perfect in this. The conflict between getting ahead at work and spending time with his family is beautifully played out on his face.

It's such a quietly-paced little movie, and not one that you think you really want to watch or care about, but I found I couldn't turn it off-even though I hadn't meant to actually watch a movie in the middle of the day (anyone?).

The main character is just a common guy with an unmemorable job (I don't remember it), but his choice was uncommon and memorable. It's current appeal, while NOT a new issue today, is still relevant because it's something that men/women still struggle with.

And is interesting to observe for the time period because it was likely a new concept/question: Is my job really more important than my family? (And the sub-question in this movie: Will I jeopardize my job/promotion to not disappoint and dissolution my son?) How many men were asking that in 1959? Possibly kicked off some thinking from then on.

And, as in "Marty (1955)," Ernest Borgnine's heart is not on his sleeve, but written all over his beautifully expressive face. Lucky for us. He'll be missed!