This 1930s hardboiled crime novel is told from the perspective of a young tramp with a criminal record who enters into an affair with a femme fatale, resulting in them scheming to kill her husband. It's astounding how much fun this book is: Cain effectively employs the tropes of the genre and plays with them, as we slowly learn about the outcome of the story from the criminal himself. What's also unusual for the genre is that the text can be interpreted as having a morale, namely that in the long run, people cannot escape the consequences of their actions (which could also be the meaning of the title, because make no mistake, there is no postman in this story!). First published in 1934, this novel was an instant success upon its release. Its combination of sex and violence made it unique and controversial. That led to it being banned in Boston as a result. The novel was inspired by Emile Zola’s 1868 novel Thérèse Raquin, which has a similar plot as this novel. The film, considered a classic example of film noir, showcases the distinctive features of the genre: the femme fatale, an alienated and tragic antihero figure and a mutual plot against the female character's husband. The story is narrated by the antihero in the form of a voiceover recollection of events past. The aesthetic quality of the film creates an atmosphere of disorientation, rejection of traditional morality and overall pessimistic tone. [27] Other adaptations [ edit ] MacMillan Moser, Stephen. The Austin Chronicle, film/video review, December 29, 2000. Last accessed: January 9, 2008. In early February 1934, before Cain's novel was published, RKO executive Merian C. Cooper submitted a synopsis of his story to the Production Code Administration (PCA), which reviewed movie scripts using the Motion Picture Production Code (commonly known as the Hays Code). Upon reviewing the synopsis, with its themes of adultery and murder, the PCA persuaded RKO to abandon its plans to film Cain's story, calling it "definitely unsuitable for motion picture production."

The Postman Always Rings Twice ~ A Capsule Book Review The Postman Always Rings Twice ~ A Capsule Book Review

It’s equally cutting on marriage, the justice system and capitalism. Frank may be a two-bit swindler but it turns out he’s not so different from the besuited insurance guys with an ‘interest’ in his criminal case.I can see why this story was adapted to film so many times, as it has such great potential in that format as well… though I must confess, I have seen none of the adaptations, and while I would love to now, I’m glad I hadn’t. The plot went in so many unexpected directions, that I’m glad I didn’t know where it was going until the very end. The Postman Always Rings Twice may be lurid and pulpy, yes, but it is by no means lowbrow. On the surface it’s a campy, titillating noir full of sex and murder, but it also serves up some pretty savage existentialism and social commentary. with zero fat in the narrative, this would be james m cain’s greatest achievement if double indemnity and a handful of other great books by him didn’t also exist. the guy could write, to say the least. a writer who was especially adept at unredeemable but fascinating characters who you couldn’t stop reading about despite themselves.

The Postman Always Rings Twice A classic revisited: The Postman Always Rings Twice

Some may point to the racism and anti-immigrant feeling in this 1934 novel as signs it has aged poorly—I disagree. The toxic xenophobia on display here is exactly the point.

James M. Cain was an American author who lived from 1892 to 1977. His 1934 crime novel, The Postman Always Rings Twice, is an ironic and steamy (for its time) story of adultery and murder set in a California roadside restaurant. Even though it’s a “genre” novel, it’s ranked number 98 on the Modern Library’s list of the hundred greatest books in English of the twentieth century. James M Cain's The Postman Always Rings Twice is a fun, racy hard boiled crime noir classic. First published in 1934 and banned in many places for its provocative scenes, the novella is a fun read full of memorable scenes. Albert Camus used this story as his basis for The Stranger, propelling Cain into the limelight. Later, Cain wrote Double Indemnity, cementing his place as a successful noir writer. Yet, it is for Postman that he is best remembered. Frank is caught up in this woman who is game for anything. She lets him do things to her that would have most any other woman screaming for help. It is hard to determine if Cora actually had any feelings for Frank or for The Greek. Certainly, The Greek and Frank liked each other more than Cora liked either of them. Was she playing the game she had to play to get the accomplice she needed? Was the perversion of their relationship something she needed as well? The Greek was too old for her, but Frank as it turns out was not who she needed either. Excellent; Cain ought to be mentioned in the same breath as Hammett, Chandler, Highsmith and Thompson. I think his knowledge and love of opera frightens some people, but he will stay there in the roll call of the finest noir for all the things in your first sentence. a b c Eyman, Scott (2005). Lion of Hollywood: The Life and Legend of Louis B. Mayer. Robson. p. 380.