George Montgomery as detective Philip Marlowe in Raymond Chandler's "The Brasher Doubloon" (1947)

Private detective Philip Marlowe (George Montgomery) is summoned to the Pasadena mansion of wealthy widow Mrs. Elizabeth Murdock (Florence Bates), and meets Mrs. Murdock's lovely, neurotic secretary, Merle Davis (Nancy Guild). Marlowe is interested in Merle, and irritated by Mrs. Murdock's spoiled son, Leslie Murdock (Conrad Janis).
Mrs. Murdock asks Marlowe to find her missing "Brasher Doubloon", a rare and valuable coin from her late husband's collection. Mrs. Murdock intimates she knows who the thief is, but refuses to tell Marlowe, who then informs Merle he's declining the case because she's not being completely honest. However, Merle's pleas change Marlowe's mind.
Eddie Prue (Alfred Linder), a hood working for nightclub owner and gambler Vince Blair (Marvin Miller), confronts Marlowe when he returns to his office, and tries to intimidate him to drop the Murdock case. Marlowe tosses him out, then visits Elisha Morningstar (Houseley Stevenson), a coin dealer. Morningstar confirms someone tried to sell him the coin, and opines the offer was a ploy to get him to authenticate the coin, but he refuses to tell Marlowe the name of the seller. After he overhears Morningstar call a private detective, George Anson (Jack Conrad), Marlowe goes to Anson's apartment and discovers that Anson has been murdered. Marlowe finds a small revolver next to Anson's body, and recognizing that it belongs to Merle, asks her about her involvement with Anson, the coin and the Murdocks. Crying, Merle tells him that Mrs. Murdock has found the coin, which Leslie had "borrowed" to pay a gambling debt. Merle also reveals that Mr. Murdock used to harass her when she was his secretary, and that she has since had a fear of being touched.
Marlowe then questions Mrs. Murdock and reveals that he has the real coin, and she is therefore lying about having recovered it. Marlowe leaves. Mrs. Murdock orders Merle to get the coin from him any way she can. Marlowe returns to his apartment and is confronted by Rudolph Vannier (Fritz Kortner), a former newsreel cameraman who claims the doubloon has been promised to him.
That evening, Merle goes to Marlowe's apartment and nervously attempts to seduce him. Although Marlowe is interested in the young secretary, he does not give her the coin.
Marlowe is awakened by a call from Merle, who tells him to come to Vannier's home. There, Marlowe finds Vannier's corpse and a distraught Merle, who claims that she came to demand Vannier's blackmail film. When Leslie enters, Marlowe realizes that he is involved, grabs him and the film, then turns Leslie over to the police.
At the office of Police Homicide Detective Lt. Breeze (Roy Roberts), Marlowe reveals that Leslie intended to give the coin to Prue and Blair, who would turn it over to Vannier in exchange for the film, with which they would then blackmail Mrs. Murdock. Leslie killed Anson and Morningstar when they threatened to upset his plans, and Mrs. Murdock killed Vannier when she learned of Leslie's plans to continue the blackmail. Marlowe then shows Vannier's newsreel footage, which reveals that Mrs. Murdock, not Merle, killed Mr. Murdock.
Mrs. Murdock confirms her guilt, but states that she has taken her revenge for Mr. Murdock's infatuation with Merle by aggravating Merle's neurosis and making her terrified of men. After the Murdocks are taken away, Marlowe comforts Merle, who states her intention to stay with him until her fear of being touched is erased.
A 1947 American film-noir crime film (known in the UK as "The High Window") directed by John Brahm, produced by Robert Bassler, screenplay by Dorothy Bennett (as Dorothy Hannah) and Ring Lardner Jr., adaptation by Leonard Praskins, based on Raymond Chandler's novel "The High Window" (1942), cinematography by Lloyd Ahern Sr., starring George Montgomery, Nancy Guild, Conrad Janis, Roy Roberts, Fritz Kortner, Florence Bates, and Marvin Miller.
Fred MacMurray, Victor Mature, and Dana Andrews were all mentioned at different times as having been cast as Philip Marlowe in the film before the studio settled on George Montgomery, appearing in the final film of his 20th Century Fox contract.
"The High Window" had already been adapted for film in 1942 as a Michael Shayne adventure starring Lloyd Nolan.

[@Elmer-hf1je]

No body ever mentions the continuity or camera angles in movies , but the director did an excellent job which makes the movie even more enjoyable !

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Good point. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tengizbirbachadze6138]

Thanks sharing this classic performance. ❤

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Glad you enjoyed it. Welcome.

[@samueldavidrucker7514]

Another masterpiece from the golden era! And weren't they beautiful and great actors! Great directing! Great filmography, great score!!!

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Glad you enjoyed it. Welcome.

[@1949LA-ARCH]

I enjoy seeing movies shot on location vs. studio back lots. I love Nancy Guild, she is a natural beauty 😊

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

I post many movies shot on location. Here's one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaG4iJ-Ar7ZjqMU

[@mickey1849]

A very cute, funny, wonderful movie. The chemistry between Marlowe and Merle (Nancy Guild) is just fabulous. Worth watching!

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@briseboy]

The physics and biology was also frabjous! The palaeontology, the Anthropology, the Evolutionary Genomics, Superb! The Astronomy, the the Oceanography, and finally, the Numismatics, are Unprecedented! Do the Math yourself.

[@mickey1849]

@@briseboy Hmmmm...I think your important message got sent to the wrong channel 🙄

[@brucebean2805]

Loved this movie from the beginning. Mrs Murdock "I am having a Port for medicinal purposes and won't be offering you none. " got a laugh from me. Very well made 😊🎉

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Glad you like it. Welcome.

[@Ceudmiletaing]

I think that my first laugh came from "Does it really make any difference, Mr. Shaw, deep down inside, I mean?"

[@joeycarter8846]

I love the witty (and campy) dialogue.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@andrewhudson3723]

This movie is much better than the reviews. It holds up well. Good characters, excellent dialog.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dougreed2257]

Never came across this little gem before, George m does really well as noir detective, thanks for this💎😊👍

[@Kermit_T_Frog]

I assume that it was based on a novel. Good solid plot. Attractive leads. Satisfying ending, though it takes a certain suspension of disbelief. Rather convenient memory lapse on the part of the female lead.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@ReRiderChi]

Complete entertainment for over an hour...compliments of Mr B

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it.

[@tommysfather]

Too bad that George Montgomery didn't appear in more detective movies. Besides his great Western movies this type of movie seems to suit him just fine.

[@Kermit_T_Frog]

He is just fine as a Marlowe. Humphrey Bogart is the gold standard. But I think that Robert Mitchum takes the prize.

[@bengt-oveandersson2914]

@@Kermit_T_Frog Mitchum would have been the perfect choice in the 50s, in the 70s he was a mite too old. Powers Boothe in the 80s TV series was the best so far, in my view.

[@Kermit_T_Frog]

@@bengt-oveandersson2914 I agree.

[@cattymajiv]

I'm the odd one here for sure,because I don't like westerns, Bogart, or Mitchum. I'm not a huge fan of this type of show either, but I'll try it. Didn't Robert Montgomery play Marlowe too?

[@bengt-oveandersson2914]

@@cattymajiv Yes, indeed. He even directed himself in Lady in the Lake 1947, which was kind of unique since he not only does the voice-over, but the entire film is done from his point of view, and the only time you see his face is when he looks in the mirror. I never did like Bogart as Marlowe, it's more like Sam Space playing Marlowe. Marlowe is described as a big man, which Bogart was not. Still, Chandler liked him and said he was the only actor who could be menacing without a gun.

[@willieluncheonette5843]

This is well worth a look. Director John Brahm does a good job here, heavy on the atmosphere and mood.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Roger that. Welcome.

[@charlesaxson8974]

S

[@Kermit_T_Frog]

I see absolutely nothing wrong with this movie. Well acted. Well put together. I say it's one of the better Philip Marlowe movies.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

@@Kermit_T_Frog Thanks for the visit!

[@beecnul8r]

Chandler was one of the top crime Noir authors of all time. I love his writings together with Dashiell Hammett, James Ellroy, Patricia Highsmith and Mickey Spillane.

[@PraiseDog]

I agree about Chandler. Ross MacDonald is a close 2nd though, and he wrote more novels. And while not the same genre, I also include Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe series. The television series from 20 years ago follows the stories accurately, and captures the characters nearly perfectly. It is on youtube for free, most of the episodes.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for the visit!

[@nickweech3487]

I'd offer Simenon and his seventy odd Maigret stories. Several adaptations too of varying success

[@briseboy]

Do NOT forget Dr. seuss!

[@pattymulligan2389]

Marlowe was played to perfection by Bogart or Robert Mitchum. But novel's filmed very well.

[@jimmymckay73]

what a fantastic movie . It is a crying shame Hollywood has completely abandoned movie making skills such as this.

[@pj9654]

Hollywood of the 1930s and 1940s perfected the narrative storyline, with good stories and great characters, many with serious grown-up content presented in a way that the whole family could watch. In our current day, everyone wants to be "edgy" and throw in unnecessary adult content, and soft porn - even in films for children! Ever notice how wholesome subject matter is twisted into something unwholesome in today's movies?

[@jimmymckay73]

@@pj9654 it is to the point that I am udderly shocked if I watch a new movie and enjoy it.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Roger that. Welcome.

[@rocistone6570]

They can't make movies like this anymore. The "studio system" is long dead, as is the system that saw studios turn out 20 small pictures a year and two or three major film productions, all running on separate tracks. One of the things wrong with Hollywood these days is every production by every major studio is geared to creating a billion-dollar blockbuster. If you gave these guys say $75,000 and said "Do a film noir detective picture." they would stare at you like you just killed their dog. They don't know how to make anything anymore for less than $100 Million. And yes, it makes me sick, too.

[@cgpyper7536]

Lot's of crazies in this one. And Marlowe is real good with his hat-and-rack trick. Thanks D.P.B.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

You're welcome.

[@RichardTaylor-o2m]

Im a noir and hammet/chandler fanatic. Im ashamed Im not familiar with this one. Thanks to whomever posted it.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome. I post Film-Noir movies here: studio.kzbin.infoPLk3CReZFhoBdmvlwKX6IUWKvdVZAqcPxz/edit

[@alexansari2138]

Thank you for showing this great Film Noir film. Back in film school we had to make our own Film Noir short film. I always loved these type of detective films. I wrote my own film and the shot it on my Nikon R10 Super 8mm film camera. Shot it on a Kodak film and used an external sound recorder. I still love the Talkies.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome. I post Film-Noir movies here: kzbin.info/aero/PLk3CReZFhoBdmvlwKX6IUWKvdVZAqcPxz

[@alexansari2138]

Thank you for sharing. @@DonaldPBorchersOG

[@garryferrington811]

Did you shoot Ektachrome or Kodachrome?

[@michaeldebellis4202]

This is actually my favorite Chandler novel, although the novel is called the High Window. It’s one of a very few that were written completely as a novel rather than from combining short stories. The movie is surprisingly good. So often Hollywood would completely rewrite the plot. They make some changes, in ways that are a bit better for a film of that time (where the bad guy can’t in some ways not get punished directly as happens in the novel). All the actors were good, but the girl who plays Merle really got the character just right and is so beautiful. Definitely a must for film noir and hard boiled fiction lovers.

[@mickey1849]

Nancy Guild

[@michaeldebellis4202]

@@mickey1849 I've watched many old film noirs and never heard of her. I'm surprised because she really seems like quite a good actress. Thanks for the name.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@stevecharman8420]

Nancy Guild reminds me of Gene Tierney and just as beautiful. I agree, this is a very faithful adaptation of The High Window, which is also one of my favourite Chandler novels, and is all the better for it.

[@michaeldebellis4202]

@@stevecharman8420 I love the ending of the book, something like "I felt as if I had written a beautiful poem and then lost it forever". But I agree, the movie ending was better for a film.

[@blusnuby2]

George Montgomery was the Real Deal. At home in the saddle, or behind the wheel of a 40s coupe in a double breasted & wool felt Fedora. This take on Philip Marlowe was actually easier to track than all other attempts. Only wish they`d put a 1911 pistol in his big hand rather than that puny wheel gun. Excellent cast. Most enjoyable. Thanks for the share !

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Well said. Thanks for the visit!

[@markr.devereux3385]

George montgomery makes a good private detective. Raymond CHANDLER novels are the best of his era.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Well said. Thanks for the visit!

[@michaeldebellis4202]

I could be wrong, but I think Chandler had good things to say about Montgomery as Marlowe which was rare as he usually didn't like the interpretations that Hollywood made of him (including Bogart's... which as much as I love Chandler have to disagree with him there). This really was quite a find. I thought I had seen all the good films made out of Chandler's novels (some of them they mangle the plot and characters to the extent you can barely recognize them which was what I was expecting here) but this really did a pretty good job (as good as any other and better than most) of sticking with the original plot of the novel. They made some changes, mainly to make the ending less ambiguous. Honestly, when I read the novel the first time I was hoping for an ending more like the film (I don't want to give anything away in case people haven't seen it because the ending actually can be something of a surprise). I came to love the ending of the novel because I think it is more realistic but I think for a film this works really well. I really agree about Chandler. He gets pigeon holed as "hard boiled fiction" but IMO he and Hammett were just light years beyond the others and their work is just good literature that happens to be about crime. They make points about society, corruption, and what it's like to try and be a man of principles in a modern world focused on money.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

@@michaeldebellis4202 Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@albertgrant1017]

Well stated !

[@b1i2l336]

A classic film noir! I loved it!

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@michellelepla]

Thankyou for posting😊❤

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome. I appreciate your support.

[@spacies8882]

Brasher Doubloon minted 1787 one was sold new york, jan 28th 2021 for 9.36 million this made it the worlds most expensive coin.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Roger that. Thanks for watching.

[@lindarocco9974]

Good film, I enjoyed the chemistry. I RoccoMend this film. Thanks for posting it.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Ha! Let me roll out the Rocco Carpet for you. Welcome.

[@lindarocco9974]

Thanks for the welcome.

[@1776TomPaine]

Really very good. I've always been a Raymond Chandler fan, and I thought I knew all of the movies made from his work, but I never heard f this one before. I really liked it. The actors were just right. The black and white photography was superb. I particularly liked the actors in the supporting roles, Blair and Prue and Vannier and Moring star. Also Leslie. George Montgomery isn't quite my image of Philip Marlowe, but he played the role his way and it worked very well.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and for watching!

[@kathyflorcruz552]

What a stunning mansion!! I hope it's still standing.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

I read the High Window. This adaptation is very good. George Montgomery makes a great Philip Marlow.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Glad you like it. Welcome.

[@marypatten9655]

Great movie. Great acting. You could really feel the venom flowing out of that kiler.when finally caught. Thank you for sharing God bless

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Glad you enjoyed it! Welcome.

[@scvandy3129]

Mahalo, "Donald P. Borchers." This was fun. To mimic others' Comments how wonderful to see George Montgomery, long-time spouse [long-time by Hollywood standards, 17 years & two kids] of Dinah Shore, in a non-western, starring role AND pulling off playing the iconic Philip Marlowe -- the epitome of a hard-boiled L.A. / Hollywood private eye with a clearly drawn 'eye for the ladies.' The fetching Nancy Guild ('Merle') rates his undivided attention.

[@Cholla51]

Huh? :)

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for the visit!

[@briseboy]

Mahalo is Polynesian, for thank you. Try not to be so Jumpy, Cholla.

[@brucknerian9664]

Montgomery with the moustache is a perfect Marlowe ... another favourite in the class of Dick Powell, or Humphrey Bogart, or Robert Mitchum ... all brought their own style to Chandler's character.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Roger that. Thanks for watching!

[@bovnycccoperalover3579]

In those days a short film (71 minutes) was so well written that it could be concise and complete thanks to the screenwriter. Roy Roberts (Lt. Breeze) was a well known character actors who worked into the '70s. Almost didn't recognize him without his moustache and he was certainly thinner in those days.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for sharing.

[@bradleywhite9118]

Love these films

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@brendakrieger7000]

Thanks so much😍

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@Xxxx-d4z]

THESE OLD MOVIES, THE CHARACTERS THEY LIKED TO SMOKE.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Roger that. Thanks for the visit!

[@Baz-Ten]

Yes - and yet not one smoke in this particular movie!

[@patricktilton5377]

Not a bad flick! He may not be Humphrey Bogart, but George Montgomery does a fine job as Marlowe.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@buck9668]

He's actually trying his best to be Clark Gable.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

@@buck9668 Right?! Thanks for the visit!

[@BrendaHaltom-cs6ck]

J love George Montgomery!❤️

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@davidparris7167]

A pleasure to see George Montgomery in a non Western. In that opening scene I expected the young woman to try to sit in Marlowe's lap while he was standing up as seen in a scene from ''The Big Sleep'' where Humphrey Bogart played Philip Marlowe Fine movie with an all-round great cast of Hollywood B players.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@briseboy]

Banjo? Balalaika? Baritone Sax? Bassetball?

[@davidahrens2841]

a very nice film noir i have a soft spot for unappreciated actresses like Nancy Guild and Ella Raines my favorite Guild movie is 'Somewhere in the night' my favorite Raines movie is 'Phantom Lady'

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for clocking in with that, and for watching!

[@lorifreeman1746]

Love these old black and white movies they just don't make them like that anymore and George Montgomery wow❤

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

I hear you. Glad you like it. Welcome.

[@grahamgillard3722]

It doesn’t matter that the plot has holes in it. It’s all about character and style.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@macsnafu]

I've never seen Conrad Janis so young! Most people of course would know him from Quark or Mork and Mindy, when he had less hair.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Yes, that's where I first saw him. Thanks for the visit!

[@ingmarvanderhoek6314]

Great novel, great adaptation.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@kiwidave9416]

I thought Merle was going to push Marlowe out the window at the end, since opening it seemed like some sort of plot device. That would have made Merle as mad as the mother said she was, which would have been an interesting final twist to the film.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

An interesting thought. Thanks for the visit!

[@woodwage7988]

Thought l was the only one with such a thought but as you, it came to mind instantly...

[@jonny-d5v]

Uh . . . yeah . . . "interesting"? Sure. But showing her legally insane in front of the cops would preclude a satisfying ending to the love story that began 10 seconds after the first scene when Merle answered the door to Marlowe.

[@Geoffrey-FrankHorgan]

really good film like george mongomery good story well done

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome. I posted George Montgomery in Henry Hathaway's "China Girl" (1942) here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipfCdKuIotirqKc

[@carlozabbia1157]

I can certainly see Bogie and Bacall in the lead roles.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Right?! Thanks for the visit!

[@annranhem3417]

This is definetly one of Chandler’s better stories. Marlowe, is Bogarts tour de force but George Montgomery is doing an alright job.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@annranhem3417]

@ I must tank you that you used a language and a know how that i felt bad to do with the author and the making of a movie instead of stupid utterances about franchises and money. I really took deep offence the last time i had an opinion about a movie. All what i was trying to say even if a movie was garbage somebody was smiling so thank you again that you commented what i Said nothing else.

[@dougrunyon2653]

Great movie and Great Actors!

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Glad you like it. Welcome.

[@checkeredflagfilms]

I think George is pretty good as Marlow. Not the gravitas as Bogies and still credible. Nancy was terrific. I think it could have used a bit of trimming to pick up the pace. The santa ana winds after awhile just became a distraction. The plot meanders a bit but the Chandler dialogue was as alway engaging. Fun to watch.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for sharing your opinions. Welcome.

[@richardwarner3705]

Veeeerryy GOOD!🎭🎬⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RogerCoyBooks]

"Part of your story sticks in my craw, Marlowe, and I don't like your trying to make the manager think you ain't been in here," the detective began the interview. Marlowe said, "Why should I get involved in a murder that's none of my business?" "Murder is everybody's business. This one is maybe yours more than anybody else's."

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Roger that.

[@jonny-d5v]

The script uses the subjunctive mood (~07:13) when referring to a fact or condition CONTRARY TO FACT; namely, that the numismatist called asking "if the doubloon WERE for sale." Good!

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Well spotted. Thanks for watching!

[@ecouturehandmades5166]

I think George fits Marlowe very well. Glad to see him in a film noir and NOT a western or GI movie.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

He made a lot of Westerns, that's for sure. Welcome.

[@jlwilliams]

Jeez, Ring Lardner Jr. on the screenplay! A lot of people overlook the humor in Chandler's novels, but he wouldn't...

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Roger that. Thanks for watching.

[@bovnycccoperalover3579]

He was one of the "Hollywood Ten", screenwriters blacklisted during the awful " red scare". There's an ironic twist in the story, when one of the jailed Hollywood Ten found himself in prison with J. Parnell Jones, the ex-chairman of the HUAC house Committee on UnAmerican Activities (fortunately, dissolved in 1975), who persecution so many people and destroyed many of them. Jones was in prison for embezzlement, A real crime.

[@lilacseason5187]

Very entertaining and fun movie to watch.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@susangutrugianios2241]

I Love Raymond Chandler 🤓🤓🤓🤓🤓

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@cecildemille190]

Brilliant. Phil Marlow still the greatest.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@harrisbobroff9813]

I thought I saw this, nope, first time. How that film ended up in that package is really difficult.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for watching.

[@dougbuck2619]

Great movie. Montgomery great. Woman reminds me of Bacall. Her and Bogie great

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ronaldclark2624]

Excellent, from our past. What ever happened to Morality? Ron PTL USA.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

FYI - www.polytechnique-insights.com/en/columns/society/moral-decline-why-do-we-still-think-things-were-better-before/#:~:text=If%20virtue%20has%20fallen%2C%20these,same%20elsewhere%20in%20the%20world.

[@paulcaron400]

This is a very good one GM is good, but my favourite is Dick Powell. He was a very versatile actor, song and dance, comedy and film noir.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for watching!

[@thesoultwins72]

@paulcaron400.......Many argue that Humphrey Bogart [the 'Big Sleep'] was the best Marlowe - and indeed, Chandler did like Bogart's performance as his iconic detective. But Chandler always felt that whatever part Bogart played - he played himself. He felt he didn't really capture the nuances of Marlowe as depicted in the books. It was completely different with Dick Powell - and Chandler openly admitted that he was the best ever Marlowe. Strange really considering Powell was essentially a 'song and dance' man up until that point. Powell was not only an accomplished singer / dancer [his rendition of 'I'll String Along with You' is truly excellent] he was an exceptionally talented actor. But above all, he was as smart as a tack. Powell recognised that the sugary-sweet musicals and boy-meets-girl films he was making no longer resonated with audiences. It was the early 1940's and America was changing. Men were coming home from WWII missing arms and legs to find their wives had found love elsewhere. Film Noir captured this new 'mood' and Powell wanted to be a part of it. He campaigned determinedly for the part in 'Murder My Sweet' and somehow convinced director Edward Dmytryk and producer Adrian Scott - but more importantly, genius RKO Studio boss Charles Koerner - to give him the role. The result in my opinion [and more learned authorities than I agree] is the best of all the Marlowe films. But there was a catch. The original title of the film was to be based on Chandler's book ['Farewell My Lovely']. Combined with the appearance of Powell - who had established himself as a foppish romantic lead - created the image of a love story rather than that of murder, a drug-addled Nubile being blackmailed over pornographic photographs, and a hard-as-nails femme fatale being hounded by a demented psychiatrist and besotted ogre! The film was released as 'Murder My Sweet' in America [although it kept its original title in the UK] and Powell's unbelievable transformation was complete. His very next film [the superb 'Johnny O'clock'] cemented this transformation and Powell went on to make a number of excellent gritty, more realistic films in the following years.

[@timatkinson9291]

Pretty good. Good plot twist!!!

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@RichardNogan]

A lunatic, a lunatic! 😂 That was great. Good flick and whitty. Tku for Post.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@zukini8763]

I really liked the dialogue. Also I thought Marlowe was tough, charming, and resourceful.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@zukini8763]

@@DonaldPBorchersOG Thanks!

[@Cholla51]

OMG! The BEST! Bar none. Not only just a bit sexist, but a romantic gentleman! 1947!

[@thetonetosser]

I was thinking the same thing. But, it was made in a different era. Society has to accept it rather than trying to ignore it and rewrite history.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@darrellepickering8433]

Hoo boy, this brings back memories, good necessarily good ones. Had an aunt along the lines of the old lady, always made me wonder how she ever got pregnant.

[@darrellepickering8433]

Not necessarily good ones.

[@darrellepickering8433]

Meant not necessarily good ones.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for the visit!

[@elliebellie7816]

"...but the 'Miss' makes up for it.". Oh, my, such a flirt, lmao...

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for the visit!

[@sitbone3]

What happened to Nancy Guild, WoW ! Sort of a Lauren Bacall knockoff.

[@mickey1849]

Better than Lauren Bacall's stick figure.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for the visit!

[@mickey1849]

@@DonaldPBorchersOG 👋

[@robert7395]

Ella Raines

[@FishFeelPain]

Bogart will always be my favorite but Montgomery does a good job as Marlowe--TY

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for the visit!

[@stephenfitzsimons]

I never heard of George Montgomery before, but he looks very like Errol Flynn.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for the visit!

[@stutzbearcat5624]

Great flick!!!

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@mr29]

George Montgomery...💥💥💥

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@DevonDandy]

Good sort of tongue in cheek script and well acted. Pity whoever copied from the celluloid left the AGC on. We heard a lot of noise in the quiet parts.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for the visit!

[@karlschulte9231]

Also done as radio show

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Interesting. Thanks for watching!

[@nickmalone3143]

Convincing as the infamous Phillip Marlow although bogie my fav

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for the visit!

[@pippadawg7037]

The coin dealer's name is Elisha Morningstar. Elisha means "God is my salvation" and Morningstar can mean Satan. Are we being given some hidden meaning here?

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Good question. Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

[@challanger275]

George Montgomery was so good looking

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Roger that. Thanks for watching!

[@bmcgoo6027]

'The High Window' is the name of the Chandler novel on which this is based.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for the info!

[@gilbertoexe6301]

É por isso que gosto de filmes antigos , além de ter grandes artistas , sabiam fazer grandes filmes de boas histórias , era uma outra época . Obrigado .

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@HawaiiJetboat]

This guy, George Montgomery, nagged at me through this whole movie like I've seen him before, heard that voice and then at 1:07:49 he utters "be reasonable Lieutenant" and it hit me...Sgt Duquesne Battle Of The Bulge. "SORRRY LIEUTENANT" hes says as he mocks James MacArthur ('Danno' - Hawaii Five-O) who plays a sniveling 90 day wonder Lieutenant.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for sharing.

[@barryguerrero6480]

Funny, I hated this adaptation of "The High Window" the first time I saw it. But I rather enjoyed it this second time around. Being a Chandler story, it's easy to have forgotten all the complications, the "ins and outs" as Lebowski would say. I assume the film's ending is quite different from the ending in the book. I'll try to find a copy.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@elliottschertzer876]

Released February 7th,1947

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Roger that. Thanks for the visit!

[@chrisgosling5408]

That did warm after a while, having read the books and just come off the back of the Robert Mitchum films. Robert Mitchum did a brilliant job although perhaps a little to old to justify some of the relationships. Maybe if the female interests were played by slighty older women that would of helped. He was 20 years older than the Marlowe character he played. Although as an older Philip Marlowe he really did nail the character. The "Brasher Doubloon" is one of the lesser cryptic stories by the great Raymond Chandler who always manages to hold back on revealing the great detectives craft. A much more accomplished writer than Agatha Christie and the Hercule Poirot character where the reader has information openly withheld that is crucial to the plot that I found a little tiresome after you have committed so much to the read. Some critics of Chandler say that he can wander and ramble somewhat but for me this gives credibility to the thought process and testing out all possibilities. Which leads me to the Sherlock Holmes quote of "How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?"

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Welcome.

[@barryzeeberg3672]

This is the brashest doubloon in the world; so, in point of fact, there is no brasher doubloon.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Interesting point. Thanks for the visit!

[@tracygentil7123]

Great movie. Too bad they don't make them like this anymore

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@henrikechers9995]

Nancy Guild has the same kind of look as Jane Greer

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Roger that. Thanks for the visit!

[@srothbardt]

Reminds me of “The Big Sleep” plot wise if you know what I mean.

[@jlwilliams]

They were from the same period in Chandler's development as a novelist. If you read all the novels you can watch both him and Marlowe evolve over time.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@6229920905]

This is unbearable. 47 minutes in and Marlowe has not made one comment or response that is not hostile, sarcastic or witty (he thinks). It gets old.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for sharing your opinions.

[@jeffkeating7583]

Having listened recently to all the Philip Marlowe radio shows I can say that his office is way too large and far too nice.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Good point. Thanks for the visit!

[@videobeach]

Leslie grew up to be Mindy’s dad in Mork and Mindy.

[@saxonman111]

Also looks like Leonardo Dicaprio's dad!

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@johnnyllooddte3415]

i dont understand how he found the doubloon

[@jimmymckay73]

Anson

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for the visit!

[@angloaust1575]

He was more suited for westerns having worked With horses in his former Occupation!

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

He grew up in northern Montana, near Great Falls, on a large ranch, where he learned to ride horses and work cattle.

[@marcleblanc3602]

Really men /detective grabbed woman like that back then? Rather bold, for a employed service man, they could just pick & chose back then?

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for the visit!

[@girishsavant2302]

When humans talked to one another in movies.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Right?! Thanks for watching!

[@arieswaters]

Wow I felt something move at 11 minutes and 50 seconds

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for the visit!

[@angietrenchik6461]

George Montgomery was a handsome man. But geez, close ups on that penciled in mustache are cringy. 😬🤦‍♀️

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Right?! Thanks for watching.

[@mahmooad8798]

مشاركة جميلة 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@luciocosta30]

DISCULPE MAS NÃO FALO SEU IDIOMA EMBORA EU ACHO ENCANTADOR (LUCIANA)

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Welcome.

[@13shinythings]

Great movie. 5 stars in my book. Not true Noir though. If I understand the genre, it's suffering, death, with no one learning anything.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for the visit! I post noir films here: kzbin.info/aero/PLk3CReZFhoBdmvlwKX6IUWKvdVZAqcPxz

[@Roshand-pl9tn]

George Montgomery should have been a bigger star. He had everything a leading man should have and more. What was it, his casting choices or being pidgeon holed by the studios. But they dont make em like this anymore

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for watching, and for sharing your thoughts. I posted George Montgomery in "China Girl" (1942): kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipfCdKuIotirqKc

[@edbrake2723]

Wonder what his average was on the hat rack?

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Thanks for the visit!

[@buck9668]

Wish someone would identify his car.

[@DonaldPBorchersOG]

Bueller...? Bueller...? Bueller...? Bueller...?

[@jlwilliams]

In the books from this era he had a Chrysler, but I don't know enough about '30s cars to know whether that's what's shown in the film or not.

[@buck9668]

@@jlwilliams Thank you. To me, cars looked too much alike till about 1950, after which they greatly differentiated. Now, they look alike again.