I've got mixed feelings about this one. On one hand, the writing is superb, the characters are tough and believable, and it's one of the best examples of hard boiled noir fiction ever. On the other hand, there's nothing new here. I realise that asking for something "new" is asking alot of an almost 60 year old story, but I think even in 1954 this was pretty predictable. I knew what was going to happen within the first 10 pages. Still it's a good read with plenty of dark imagery, noir insights into corruption and forgiveness, betrayal, family ties and the fraternal family of cops. I'll be on the lookout for more books by McGivern.
When I cracked it, I was surprised to find the opening page with a blurb from one of my all time favorite noir actors, Robert Taylor about his role in the film Rogue Cop. I had no idea there was a film that also starred Janet Leigh and the beautiful and, sadly, recently departed Anne Francis. This I must see! Well, I watched it last night, review coming soon.
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3 comments:
Edmond O'Brien starred in a similar film called "Shield For Murder" which also featured Carolyn (Morticia Addams) Jones as a cheap B-Girl. Both films can be seen on TCM periodically.
Saw Rouge Cop awhile back and found it kinda boring. But give McGivern another chance, the Big Heat & Odds Against Tomorrow are as great as the films they inspired.
Ahh, I didn't know he wrote Odds Against Tomorrow. I loved that film. I'm on the fence about the film of Rogue Cop...more about that soon.
Andy 7 - I'll keep my eye out for Shield For Murder, sounds good.
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