The Big Sleep (1978)

 

Grizzled American private detective in England investigates a complicated case of blackmail turned murder involving a rich but honest elderly general, his two loose socialite daughters, a pornographer and a gangster.

From memory: This adaptation of the classic Raymond Chandler is an attempt to repeat the success of the excellent Farewell, My Lovely of three years earlier and does achieve to find its tone, pace and downbeat humor, but is simply just not as good as the previous film.

Halliwell (no star): "Straight remake of the 1946 film, curiously and ineffectively set in London."

Maltin**: "...less a remake of the Hawks classic than a more faithful rendering of the Chandler novel, albeit updated and set in London. If you get by that, it's tolerable with a strong cast, fresh locations, and thankful lack of camp." 

 

 

The Blue Dahlia (1946)

An ex-bomber pilot is suspected of murdering his unfaithful wife.

Although scripted by Raymond Chandler this movie is handled less as a Noir thriller, but more like an average, but entertaining crime thriller with a surprising - and disappointing - resolution.

Halliwell**: "Hailed on its first release as sharper than average, this mystery suspenser is now only moderately compelling despite the screenplay credit; direction and editing lack urgency and the acting lacks bounce."

Maltin***: "Exciting Raymond Chandler-scripted melodrama...well-turned film."

The Big Sleep (1946)

Private detective Philip Marlowe is hired by a rich family and before the complex case is over, he's seen murder, blackmail, and what might be love.

Classic detective thriller with a nearly incomprehensible plot, but highly ebtertaining due to prime direction, excellent star performances, a touch of Noir with a pinch of ironic humour, snappy dialogues and suspense.

Halliwell***: "Inextricably complicated, moody thriller from a novel whose author claimed that even he did not know 'who done it'. The film is nevertheless vastly enjoyable along the way for its slangy script, star performances and outbursts of violence, suspense and sheer fun."

Maltin****: "Classic mystery thriller...So convoluted even Chandler didn't know who committed one murder, but so incredibly entertaining that no has ever cared. Powerhouse direction; unforgettable dialogue..."

Murder, My Sweet (1944)

After being hired to find an ex-con's former girlfriend, Philip Marlowe is drawn into a deeply complex web of mystery and deceit.