Max's Bar

I saw this movie when we first got cable in the early 80's. It really got my attention with the jarring beginning, and the subsequent treatment of the initial character and the bar acquaintances who soon become his support and "family". Great ensemble cast, great soundtrack( I have it on LP), great story. You'll recognize several faces of character actors and some who went on to the small screen for bigger parts. The story doesn't protect the viewer from the ugliness of the characters' lives, though it does let us see the joy and hope the have in the less-than-ideal lives they must live. Some might classify the ending as "hokey", but I prefer to see it as "satisfying".