Running Time: 96 Minutes
Certification: 15
Starring: James Garner, Gayle Hunnicut, Carroll O'Connor, Rita Moreno, Sharon Farrell, William Daniels, H.M. Wynant, Jackie Coogan, Bruce Lee
Created by novelist Raymond Chandler, private detective Philip Marlowe first appeared in the 1930s within hardboiled crime fiction stories. The character and his tales have been adapted into many different mediums, portrayed by actors such as Humphrey Bogart, Danny Glover, and most recently Liam Neeson. For 1969's Marlowe, an adaptation of Chandler's 1949 novel The Little Sister, James Garner takes on the titular role for an intriguing mystery.
Viewers are introduced to this iteration of Marlowe as he arrives at a hotel, searching for a missing man named Orrin Quest. He questions the hotel manager for possible information, only for this seemingly simple investigation to grow complicated when somebody murders the manager with an ice pick. This leads Marlowe onto a trail of blackmail and murder seemingly linked to a mobster and his TV star mistress.
Described by Chandler as a "shop-soiled Galahad", Marlowe is depicted as a man who does not let the circumstances wear down his noble side. While the passage of time and the job may bear down on the private detective, it does not stop him from wisecracking or sticking to his principles, and this is effectively captured in James Garner's performance. No matter how much he may get threatened, how wrecked his office may become, or how much money he is offered, it does not stop this easy-going gentleman from doing what he believes is right. It is no wonder that it led to Garner starring in the TV series The Rockford Files.
In adapting Chandler's novel, director Paul Bogart and screenwriter Stirling Silliphant deliver an intriguing mystery which unfolds at a measured pace. The focus is on relationships and revelations, with each being effectively brought alive courtesy of the decent cast. A special mention is deserved for Bruce Lee, making his American feature debut by showcasing his talents, where his physical prowess is used to destroy office furniture in an intimidating scene.
While viewers come to understand the characters inhabiting this story, the same courtesy is not offered to the setting. There is no sense of this version of Los Angeles, leaving it to feel like this could have been set in any interchangeable city. As a result, this leaves the film to feel more like a television work instead of anything cinematic.
This is also noticeable during the climax, when the talky resolution intends to tie-up threads for the audiences' benefit. While that is something which fits the story, the decision to deliver it during an on-stage striptease feels like a misguided decision. Considering dialogue is exchanged while one party remains offstage, it's a struggle to believe that all of the words shared would be heard over the roaring crowd.
Was this change of setting because of a worry that audiences would lose interest? One can only theorise, but there is a feeling of lost confidence in the talky resolution. A great film can make the most talkative of scenes as captivating as an impressively crafted fight. Just look at what Sidney Lumet and Reginald Rose did with 12 Angry Men, or how engrossing Rian Johnson made the third-act of Knives Out. It is a shame, because it leaves an unfortunate impression on what is otherwise a solid mystery. While it may not be a top-tier Chandler adaptation, Marlowe is a solid enough effort that is worth your time.
Marlowe is now available on Blu-Ray from Arrow Video
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