Sadly, here's another film I haven't seen. This 1942 entry in the Falcon series was the first attempt to bring Farewell, My Lovely to the screen. Moose and Velma appear to have survived the trip, but Philip Marlowe has morphed into the character of "Gay Lawrence," played by George Sanders. He's assisted by a lady reporter who wasn't in the book. Hm.
The first faithful film treatment of the book, Murder, My Sweet with Dick Powell, appeared two years later.
More Overlooked Films, Etc. at SWEET FREEDOM.
Gorgeous posters! I love the Falcon movies - used to watch them all the time whenever they showed up on tv.
ReplyDeleteI always liked both Geo. Sanders and his brother Tom Conway in the part. Maybe Conway a bit more...
I haven't seen this one either, but would like to sometime.
ReplyDeleteThe title card (at top) is from my collection. I assume that giant hand belongs to Moose Malloy, and is reaching out to clamp on the shoulder of the Marlowe substitute.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember if I saw this. Will have to take another look.
ReplyDeleteWasn't there also another CHandler adaptation of this vintage that was dressed up as a Mike Shayne movie? I don't remember the name but I remember reading quotes from both authors on how they felt jilted by the mash up.
ReplyDeleteThe Falcon Takes Over is actually quite a good adaptation. The best thing going for it (besides the inimitable George Sanders) is that it's only an hour long, so all the fat has been cut out, and you're just left with a good story.
ReplyDeleteThat's true, Dan. The Mike Shayne flick Time to Kill was based on (I think) The High Window. I have a title card for that too, and plan to post it soon.
ReplyDeleteGood news for you if you want to see the Falcon movie series. Warner Archive is release the whole series. The first volume has 7 movies for a not unreasonable $35.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.wbshop.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-WB-Site/default/Search-Show?q=1000253511&adid=1011WACNRcEml&src=EW1011C
In this 3 disc set:
THE GAY FALCON (1941) Shortly after promising his fiancee that his skirt-chasing and crime-solving days are over, Gay Lawrence (aka The Falcon) finds himself facing lethal jewel thieves and bewitching beauties. With Wendy Barrie and Allen Jenkins.
A DATE WITH THE FALCON (1941) Marriage looms for The Falcon when a scientist's mysterious disappearance saves him from impending domesticity. With Wendy Barrie, James Gleason and Allen Jenkins.
THE FALCON TAKES OVER (1942) The Falcon steps into the shoes of Philip Marlowe as the third film in the series adapts Raymond Chandler's Farewell, My Lovely. With Lynn Bari, James Gleason and Allen Jenkins.
THE FALCON'S BROTHER (1942) It takes two Falcons, Gay and his brother Tom, to tackle Nazi machinations and murder in the installment that sees Sanders' sib Conway ably taking over the franchise. With Jane Randolph.
THE FALCON STRIKES BACK (1943) No sooner has Tom donned The Falcon's duties then he finds himself framed for stealing war bonds. Now it's time for the fugitive Falcon to strike back! With Jane Randolph, Harriet Hilliard and Edgar Kennedy.
THE FALCON IN DANGER (1943) When three men disappear from an airliner in midair, The Falcon takes on a mystery that deepens to menace the continued existence of the nation itself. Can The Falcon save liberty from the sinister forces that theatens to forever extinguish her burning brand? With Jean Brooks, Elaine Shepard and Amelita Ward.
THE FALCON AND THE CO-EDS (1943) The Falcon enters the halls of a woman's college in order to solve the murder of an instructor. With a bevy of beauteous and brainy subjects at hand it will take all of The Falcon's resolve to keep his focus on the case. With Jean Brooks, Rita Corday, and Amelita Ward.