Yesterday, as I was working in the studio, I caught the last few minutes of the film, Tin Men, Barry Levinson’s atmospheric comedy about aluminum siding salesmen in early 1960’s Baltimore. It’s a great film that I’ve seen dozens of times. It never fails to make me laugh with Levinson’s always engaging dialogue and great use of deep detail throughout the film that give it rich texture and a real sense of place.
He also makes great use of the background music that adds another layer of texture to the overall feel of the film. One of my favorites is his use of Nat King Cole’s version of the classic Sweet Lorraine. It ‘s easy rhythm and pace makes me feel as though I were in Baltimore in the heat of a carefree summer in 1963.
Here’s Nat King Cole with Sweet Lorraine. It’s always been a favorite of mine and I hope your day goes as smooth and easy as this song…
Redtree Times 
I’ve never seen Tin Men, and I need to do that, since my favorite as a youngster growing up in Iowa was The Music Man. I suspect they belong to (roughly the same genre.
One thing’s for sure – Harold Hill’s advice has served me well: you gotta know the territory!
The traveling salesmen at the beginning of “The Music Man” with their “But he doesn’t know the territory…” refrain are my favorite part of that movie. Entertaining stuff. A little different in tone from Tin Men. But both are good films…
I liked this movie but prefer Avalon, only because it captures a lot of our family get-togethers when I was growing up.
Loud.
We weren’t Jewish, but 1st and 2nd generation French. I always wanted to show my father that picture but he died before I had the chance.
A small regret, but still a regret.
Nat King Cole. Blessed with remarkable talent and good looks, was the first black entertainer to have his own TV show. It didn’t last long before the bigots shut it down.
You’re right. The bigots did shut down his show. But, as with anything, there must be a first. And like Jackie Robinson, Nat King Cole exhibited a tolerance and grace that made the bigots look like the fools they were, and are. Class act…
I liked “Avalon” as well but there’s something about “Tin Men” that has a familiarity for me. I knew guys like that when I was in the swimming pool business, guys always angling for an edge. Colorful quick buck guys at the far edge of what might be considered legitimate business.