New Rochelle Plays Hollywood: “The Breaking Point” (1950)

This film is the second adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s novel To Have and Have Not. Favored by Hemingway himself, it’s considered more faithful to the source material than its predecessor. John Garfield stars in what he considered his best role, playing a man who reluctantly takes on dangerous cargo to save his boat and support his family. The movie features a standout performance by Juano Hernandez, a pioneering Black actor, and is known for its memorable final scene. Notably, this was Garfield’s second-to-last film before his untimely death.

Starring John Garfield, Patricia Neal, Juano Hernandez; directed by Michael Curtiz ( 97 minutes ).

New Rochelle Plays Hollywood is a film series presented by the New Rochelle Public Library. Prior to the screening, film aficionado Les Srager will introduce the history of the film and its creative personnel with a discussion period following the screening. The Fall 2024 series features “Excellent But Little Known Films.”