I have had only measured appreciation for Bronson's work, but this film fit him perfectly. The rugged, taciturn persona of Bronson naturally fit this character, a character that would likely have those attributes at the time of the Depression. The supporting cast was well chosen- Strother Martin, for one, of fame for intoning the infamous, "What we have here is failure to communicate" line of Cool Hand Luke. He was a perfect fit for this film as well. I have only one minor problem with the film and that is an historical inaccuracy. In the opening of the film where Chaney is riding a boxcar into New Orleans, the train locomotive is a diesel. Diesel locomotives were not in use in the time of the Depression and did not appear until the 1950's. Then later, at a train station, steam locomotives are used which were, in the 1930's, in common use. Beyond that, Hard Times is a forgotten jewel of a movie, especially for Bronson fans. Well worth the price of admission.