The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946) DVD, 1946

This storming adaptation of the James Cain novella may not be as steamy as the remake, but Cora's affair with a young drifter still casts dangerous shadows on a summer's day.

MGM's decision to put THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE on the screen marked a step up the ladder for Lana Turner's reputation as an actress. Although the script whitewas... more >

MGM's decision to put THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE on the screen marked a step up the ladder for Lana Turner's reputation as an actress. Although the script whitewashes the James M. Cain novel, it still packs a punch. Lana and John Garfield are outstanding as lovers caught up in a scheme to murder her husband (Cecil Kellaway) out of greed and lust. Surprisingly honest in its treatment despite the moral code of the 1940s, it has an ironic twist ending that is satisfying and highly dramatic. This version is superior in every way to the remake with Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange. In my article on LANA TURNER for FILMS OF THE GOLDEN AGE, I include what the author wrote in a leatherbound copy of the novel he gave to her: "For my dear Lana, thank you for giving a performance that was even finer than I expected." If you like film noir, this is a great example of the genre.

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