Strangers in the City

This movie's intentions are good. It examines the life of Puerto Rican immigrants and their children in New York City.

It has, however, the feel of a 16 millimeter project for a class. It was made before video. It was made before film schools. But it has the feel of a student assignment.

The direction is minimal. The plot is corny and far from original Yes, it does get intense in its later portion. So, though, do soap operas.

Some of the actors are good. Their intentions are very clearly good. But it's nothing one should rush to see. Its heart is in the right place but, unfortunately, that's about all that can be said for it.

Strangers in the City is a terrific movie,partly because of it's more or less "Amature" cast. I first saw this on Wor-tv channel 9 in NYC in 1967,I thought then and I STILL think now,that it was racy and made no apologies for it's realism. I recently watched/taped it from TCM and my memory suggests that when Wor-tv first showed it in 1967,that NOTHING was cut from that airing.Even today,a syndicated television channel could not air this kind of film without shredding it to the floor. What you see in this great film is HUMAN REALITY!

Excellent, grittyand realistic view of destitution amongst a Puerto Rican family trying to survive New York City's Spanish Harlem in 1962. Similiar to "Mean Streets" and Shirley Clark's "The Cool World" and pre-dates both. Excellent location work from various points in Manhattan to Coney Island. Manages to combine art flourishes with a strong and exploitative storyline. Original and stirring jazzy soundtrack helps make this a truly unforgettable film and experience. Catch it if you can.

I saw this film for the first time, on television in New York City, back in 1964. I was so moved by the experience, that I kept watch for it in a rerun theater (before VCR's), so that I could view it without the edits for television.

Finally, two years later, I found it showing in an art theater in Greenwich Village. That was the last time I did see this humble masterpiece. And after 37 years, the images of this little film still resonate within my psyche.

It was the simply told, well acted story of a Puerto Rican family who emigrate from their homeland, to New York City, in search of a better life. In their innocence, what they obtain is a run-down ghetto apartment where they are outnumbered by the roaches and rats. And where, one by one, starting with the father, then the teenage daughter, then the son and finally the mother, they are swallowed up in the smoldering melting pot that was late 50's to early 60's New York City.

Each one is, at some point in their earnest quest to survive, humiliated, debased (both socially and sexually) and, finally, for two of them, led to death as the only salvation from the nightmare they have found themselves trapped in.

It is a moving film that every American should see, at least once, to gain a broader understanding of the Hispanic experience in America; long before the coming of the likes and fame of Jenifer Lopez could be achieved.

Trust me, you will be moved and you won't forget the experience.