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The Brasher Doubloon (1946)

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From Time Out Film Guide

Usually shrugged aside as a negligible Chandler adaptation, but Brahm has other fish to fry. The tone is set by the opening shot of an old dark house as Philip Marlowe's offscreen voice complains about the wind blowing eternally off the Mojave. That wind continues throughout, stirring the mood of malaise as swaying branches set shadows flickering in dim-lit rooms where the heroine is being slowly driven mad. The opening interview, with the marvellously malevolent Florence Bates easily outgunning General Sternwood in flesh-crawling unease, challenges The Big Sleep on its own ground. The middle stretches, with Kortner outstanding in the Lorre role, produce as vivid a set of grotesques as The Maltese Falcon. But what keeps the last third afloat owes less to Chandler or Hammett than to the sense of brooding Gothic melodrama in which Brahm specialised. Forget Philip Marlowe, enjoy a fine companion piece to The Lodger, Guest in the House, Hanover Square and The Locket.

Author: TM

Time Out Film Guide

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User reviews of this film

Riri Hood said...

Posted on Aug 08 2009 11:27 LOVED the Brasher Doubloon, especially Conrad Janis. A real Hottie in the flm, and who'd a thought Mindy's dad in Mork & Mindy could be a sexy killer at 18 & again in Bad Blood....The Hunger his 2009 film in which he directs and Stars opposite legendary Piper Laurie in this macabre chiller being released this fall/winter. SCARY & TALENTED ACTOR, REALLY.

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Megan Skylar said...

Posted on Mar 22 2008 14:30 Saw film recently in Palm Spring during Film Noir Festival. Met Juvenile star Conrad Janis who was so natural and real at a time when people chewed up the scenery. He didn't and was gracious and charming during post screening interview. Loved it.

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