The Iceman Cometh (1973)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film: 239 Minutes  

Rated: PG     

Genre: Drama

Director: John Frankenheimer

Starring: Lee Marvin, Fredric March, Robert Ryan, Jeff Bridges, Bradford Dillman

IMDB Rank: 7.3 /10

*** This film has two official intermission points, the VHS version the film breaks at the 123 minute mark.

Part 1 Time:  76 Minutes 

Part 2 Time:  101 Minutes

Part 3 Time: 62 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Hickey (Lee Marvin) a traveling salesman has returned to the bar, he tells his barfly buddies he has given up drinking and his pipe dreams. He encourages each of them to do the same.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Don’t let me be a wet blanket. All I want is to see you happy” states Hickey as he speaks with with barfly buddies.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Well hows that kid?” Margie (Hildy Brooks) states as she sets up decorations for Harry Hope’s (Fredric March) birthday party.

Where does the second part end? Hickey speaks with Harry Hope.

Final line of dialogue on the second part: “It’s time you begin to feel happy.” states Hickey.

First line of dialogue on the third part: “Come on you” Rocky Pioggi (Tom Pedi) states as he tries to wake Joe Mott (Moses Gunn).

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal/Somewhat, Hickey has quite a task as he begins to convince his buddies to begin living their lives rather than to drink and continue to speak about future dreams they wish to accomplish. Will Hickey be successful in his conviction?

How jarring is it when the second part ends? Minimal/Somewhat, it has been a difficult struggle for many of the bar patrons. Some have seen success in Hickey’s guidance, others of relapsed. Will Hickey give up or continue provide support and guidance?

Which part is better? Part two is better as we see the successes as well as failures among the group as each begin their journey to embrace the truths of life rather than wishful thinking.

Academy Awards:  None