Tonight its "Murder My Sweet", which was released originally here as "Farewell My Lovely". Made in 1944 by Edward Dmytryk who later gave us the Caine Mutiny, The Carpetbaggers and Shalako, and starring Dick Powell and Claire Trevor. The film is based on Raymond Chandler's 1940 novel Farewell, My Lovely. A second film adaptation of the novel was made in 1975 and released under Chandler's title.
Dick Powell was previously known (1930s and early 1940s) for light comedies and musicals, so the casting of him as Chandler's hard-boiled private detective anti hero was a surprise to audiences. The studio executives changed the title from Farewell, My Lovely because they believed audiences would think the film was a musical. Powell's performance is much debated by fans of Chandler and film noir; some think it too light and comic; others consider it the best interpretation of Philip Marlowe on film.
Some great Chandler lines here like "I caught the blackjack right behind my ear. A black pool opened up at my feet. I dived in. It had no bottom. I felt pretty good - like an amputated leg", and "Okay Marlowe, I said to myself. You're a tough guy. You've been sapped twice, choked, beaten silly with a gun, shot in the arm until you're crazy as a couple of waltzing mice. Now let's see you do something really tough - like putting your pants on."
Powell, the light Musical star engineered himself into the role, and Director Dymtryk was less than happy about it, but I have to say Dickie Boy did real good.;)
