An unlucky-in-love New York butcher falls for a lonely schoolteacher, but find their relationship meets with disapproval, forcing them to disregard the opinions of others in their search for happiness. Delbert Mann's Oscar-winning drama, starring Ernest Borgnine, Betsy Blair and Joe Mantell.

Marty, a butcher who lives in the Bronx with his mother is unmarried at 34. Good-natured but socially awkward he faces constant badgering from family and friends to get married but has reluctantly resigned himself to bachelorhood. Marty meets Clara, an unattractive school teacher, realising their emotional connection, he promises to call but family and friends try to convince him not to.