Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- sardonic
- glamorous
- classic movie night
- musical marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as an entertaining and stylish musical elevated by Frank Sinatra's performance, Rita Hayworth's presence, and its memorable songs, despite some conventional romantic melodrama.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Joey Evans uses his charisma, singing career, and romantic appeal to manipulate relationships and pursue a nightclub venture.
San Francisco clubs, chorus lines, singers, and performers form the social and commercial world surrounding Joey's ambitions.
The film's musical performances function as expressive extensions of Joey, Vera, and Linda's shifting desires.
Vera's wealthy sophistication and Joey's cynicism are challenged by Linda's wholesome background and moral directness.
Films like Pal Joey, and why
Guys and Dolls
shared classic Hollywood musical style, romantic rivalry, nightclub setting, and morally slippery entertainer
The Band Wagon
shared 1950s musical romance, charismatic performers, show-business ambition, and witty social tension
A Star Is Born
shared musical comedy-drama, seductive nightlife atmosphere, and relationships complicated by ambition
Movie Details
- Director
- George Sidney
- Release Date
- 1957-10-25
- Runtime
- 111 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (84)
Cast
- Rita Hayworth
- Frank Sinatra
- Kim Novak
- Barbara Nichols
- Bobby Sherwood
- Hank Henry
- Elizabeth Patterson
- Hermes Pan
- John Alban
- Sam Harris
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- YouTube TV
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Pal Joey about?
- A charismatic nightclub singer schemes toward glamour and security until a worldly widow and an innocent chorus girl expose the cost of his charm.
- What is Pal Joey like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Pal Joey as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Pal Joey violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Pal Joey.
- What did critics think of Pal Joey?
- Critics broadly regard the film as an entertaining and stylish musical elevated by Frank Sinatra's performance, Rita Hayworth's presence, and its memorable songs, despite some conventional romantic melodrama.
- Which films are like Pal Joey?
- Films with a similar feel include Guys and Dolls, The Band Wagon, and A Star Is Born.
- How long is Pal Joey?
- Pal Joey runs 111 minutes.
- Where can I watch Pal Joey?
- In United States, Pal Joey streams on YouTube TV.
