The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)

The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946) – A drifter and a beautiful blonde conspire to murder her husband. Then they have to live with the decisions they’ve made.

Directed by Tay Garnett                                 Starring Lana Turner, John Garfield

It’s interesting to note the changes in attitude that surround some issues when it comes to the movies.  In the 1930s and 40s, when this script was being considered for production, there was a huge resistance to turning the book, written by James M. Cain in 1934.  The central themes of marital infidelity, murder and the corrupt nature of the legal system, were taboo at the time.  Warner Bros. was certain that any attempt to make the film would end up in disaster.  It took MGM years to finally get a script past the Production Office.

Of all the criticisms of the time about the movie, the one that I find most perplexing or perhaps amusing today is the recurring discussion of the “inherently evil” nature of Turner’s character, Cora Smith.  While Smith is an opportunist, she strikes me more as someone who simply lacks a moral compass.  She marries her much older husband on the promise of a better life, only to discover that Nick has very little in the way of ambition. He also has little to no consideration for her desires.  In many ways she is simply the classic “trophy wife”.  Nick won her and now she belonged to him.

 Frank Chambers (Garfield) equals her in lacking any inner direction.  Together they will convince each other that murdering Nick will get them what they want.  From the very first they are doomed, because neither has the depth of character to make a partnership work.  While what they attempt is unforgivable, I found myself feeling sorry for them.  If they had never met they would have simply been unhappy.  The chemistry of them together dooms them both.

Chemistry is what sets this movie alight as well. Turner and Gardner had a brief affair in real life, but became good friends.  This was her favorite role of her career.  Given that most of her career was simply being the “blonde bombshell” role, Turner shows some acting chops here.

Why You Will Like It: The volatile relationship between the doomed conspirators.

Rating – **** Recommended