The Man with the Golden Arm was based on Nelson Algren's novel of the same name and is the story of heroin addict Frankie Machine (played by Frank Sinatra) and his efforts to rid himself of the "40 pound monkey on his back". Earning his living in a gambling joint, where he is known as "Dealer", he hopes to be a drummer in a big-time band, but his weakness continually gets the better of him.

Bernstein's music reflects the tightness of the movie and expresses its tension in palpitating and sometimes sinister jazz. Interpreted by an orchestra of the best jazz and symphonic instrumentalists in the country at the time, Bernstien's soundtrack is a unique mixture of gentle woodwinds and screaming brass. Shelly Manne, the noted jazz drummer, takes care of the instruments which are so importantant to the development of the movie and it was Manne who tutored Sinatra in the intracacies of percussion.

Packaging & Liner Notes
Digipack. Unknown liner notes.