The Postman Always Rings Twice [DVD] [1946]

Good value

GREAT CLASSIC! This film is deservedly famous and I liked a lot this poignant story of cursed passion, crime and punishment. Below, more of my impressions, with some limited SPOILERS.Frank Chambers (John Garfield) is a homeless drifter, roaming the country without much plans for the future. One day he accepts the job at a rural diner owned by a certain Nick Smith (Cecil Kellaway), a somehow aged, likeable fellow. Soon he meets Nick's much younger wife, Cora (Lana Turner) and an instant and mutual attraction develops. Things get complicated and tragedy unavoidably follows... I will not say more about the story.Adapted from a novel written by James M. Cain, who was also the author of "Mildred Pierce" and "Double Indemnity", this film is deeper, more dramatic and much more tense than the average "film noir" or crime drama. Without entering into details, to avoid spoilers, it must be said that the climate of this film is unique, from the very beginning to the last moments. There are elements of ancient Greek tragedy included, like ananke, the merciless although frequently ironic fate, and also some fragments which were clearly inspired by the Bible, like the infinite patience and wisdom of Lord's ways, which although mysterious always are just at the end... The title is explained only at the end and this explanation clotures the film perfectly.All actors did an amazing job, with Lana Turner, at that time at the top of her skill and beauty, being absolutely terrific. Other than the main three actors, all the supporting cast also did a perfect job. Special praise must go to Hume Cronyn who plays a really, really smart and nasty shyster. As for director Tay Garnett, this film was clearly his masterpiece, which guaranteed him a permanent and prominent place in the history of cinema.I liked this film a lot and l will definitely keep the DVD for another viewing. A thing to see ABSOLUTELY! ENJOY!

Frank Chambers (John Garfield) stops at a rural diner for a bite to eat, and after noticing the "Man Wanted" sign-ends up working there. The diner is run by beautiful Cora Smith (Lana Turner), and her much older husband, Nick (Cecil Kellaway). The animal attraction is evident from the off and the pair soon enter into an affair. It's an affair that will have far reaching consequences for all three parties.Forget any remake and go straight to this, the best adaptation of James M. Cain's hard hitting novel. Out of MGM, it's nice to say that the studio, in spite of 1940s censors, let director Tay Garnett put vitality into Cain's novel and more crucially,! let Turner fan the flames of smouldering passion. From the moment the camera pans from her shapely foot to the silky blonde mop that sits above her beautiful face, we know that Frank Chambers, and us the audience, are about to be taken in hook line and sinker.Much has been made of the over-use of lighting with Turner in the film, that complaint is something I just can't truck with in any shape or form. It's not for nothing that Turner's Cora is virginal white for 98% of the picture, surely a sign that Cora is in need of some dark to lighten her dark existence. Sounds weird I'm sure, but there it is, and the lighting only emphasises that virginal quality about to be steered down a troubled road. It should also be noted that the only time she's out of white is for the particularly dark moments in her life. It's a confliction with the Noir ethic to utilise whiteness, but this is a very different femme fatale, more vulnerable and searching for love, even if ultimately it's car crash love. John Garfield matches Turner in performance. A performance that gathers momentum at every quarter. So it's no surprise to find that both actors got a positive response from critics and public alike. But the support is also very strong, particularly Hume Cronyn & Leon Ames. While Kellaway absolutely nails that good old harmless old boy seriously in denial-out of his depth character-with some aplomb.I personally was delighted with a different sort of film-noir viewing here. And I have to say that I avoided this film on account of having watched the Jack Nicholson remake first, years ago; and found it immeasurably dull. This is a different animal, much like the female protagonist funnily enough. Perhaps the final word should come from James M. Cain himself? Who after seeing what Turner did with the role of Cora gave her a gift of a leather bound first edition of the book, the inscription said "For my dear Lana, thank you for giving a performance that was finer than I expected."Tis true that, lighting be damned! 8/10

Another "classic" not seen for many a year. Will I still/did I ever/ enjoy it? Yes! It has weathered the decades and remains a true classic. It is, I suppose "Film Noir" if you had to categorise it. To me it is just pure well made, acted, photographed, and directed cinema. I recently saw another "classic" GILDA and I was reminded of the wonderful introduction to Rita Hayworth. Here with Lana,the camera slowly pans across the room and upwards from her feet, legs and body arriving ate Lana's face looking at her most devastating (apart from her hair style.) No wonder Garfield fell head over heels, and very quickly too. Thir love affair is erotic without the awful explititness of the remake. Strong support from Cecil Kellaway as Lana's husband, and Hume Cronyn as a (most unlikely) lawyer. Suspense is always lurking, and I must just mention a glorious cameo from Audrey Totter who also sizzles. Not a film for wveryone nowadays in the modern fast cutting violent cinema, but if you love a good "classic" do give this a go. Excellent picture, sound and subtitles and a commentary and Behind thescenes stills. Highly recomended. P>S The title is explained right at the end and it's a cracker.

Lana Turner in top form. This story keeps twisting and turning. Just when you think you have the story figured out, it throws up another surprise. Also, a delightful evocation of post-war small-town America. Great sense of time and place. Great fun.

A good thriller. Shame about the cat

A great film noir, brilliant acting from all cast

I am enjoying the film, just cant get rid of the Spanish subtitles at the bottom of the screen. I would like more details on product description on the website that would tell us about things like that. thanks

You must be born again, have The Holy Spirit live abide within you, get baptized, Let Jesus do the rest, then these things don't happen, murders Adultery. Go to Galations 5.19, Galations 5.20 REVELATIONS 21

It is hard to put this novel down. I will be sad when I finish the novel. It is that good.

Son and wife love old movies and actors from old silent movies to this era. Well received. Have to wait for their opinion.

Excellent DVD quality reproduction

When the Dvd came it wouldn't work...due to "disc region incorrect" I wrote the company and they said I could send it backbut they wouldn't pay postage because it was listed on blurb "region 2" Well, who knows about that and I told themI've ordered movies from Amazon and have never had that problem come up at all. Now I've told them I will just throw the Dvd out.... it's not worth the postage to mail it back and I think their customer service could have done a much better job. The movie was $7.69 and the postage could have been $4.00. I guess you get what you pay for.I used my $10.00 gift card and now have to try and work with Amazon customer service to get it straightened out.A lot of trouble and disappointment for nothing..... I won't be ordering from MovieMars again. I don't recommend them ifyou're not aware of the "region" part.