The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)
A Timeless Noir Classic of Passion and Deception
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946) isn’t just a film—it’s a high-stakes rollercoaster brimming with twists, temptations, and treachery. Directed by Tay Garnett and based on James M. Cain's sizzling novel, this noir gem delivers all the drama and intrigue you'd expect from classic Hollywood, and then some.
Frank Chambers (John Garfield) is the quintessential charming drifter, breezing through life until he winds up at a roadside diner and meets Cora Smith (Lana Turner)—a femme fatale in every sense of the word, wrapped in mystery and a dash of danger. Sparks fly, but these aren’t the kind you want lighting up your life; their fiery chemistry evolves into a deliciously wicked plot to oust her unsuspecting husband. What follows is a whirlwind of suspense, moral dilemmas, and jaw-dropping twists that make you question just how far someone would go for love—or greed. Buckle up, because this ride is anything but smooth!
The performances are a dazzling dance of charisma and tension. Lana Turner, decked out in her iconic white outfit, radiates a tantalizing mix of allure and danger, while John Garfield injects raw energy and depth into his portrayal of a drifter caught in a web of passion and peril. Together, they light up the screen with irresistible chemistry, pulling viewers into their spellbinding, high-stakes romance.
Garnett's direction cranks up the suspense to eleven, playing with shadows, dramatic close-ups, and a moody palette that pulls you deeper into the story's simmering tensions. The screenplay smartly translates Cain's sizzling novel, sneaking in scandal and intrigue despite the watchful eye of the Production Code era. What unfolds is a cat-and-mouse game that teases, tantalizes, and keeps you guessing, leaving just enough to the imagination to fuel its magnetic allure.
With every smoldering glance and every twist of fate, The Postman Always Rings Twice doesn’t just tell a story—it pulls you into its seductive grip and refuses to let go. The supporting cast shines like hidden gems, each adding layers of tension and surprise to the drama. And the music? It’s the heartbeat of the film, accentuating every stolen kiss and every whispered betrayal. From its steamy beginnings to its jaw-dropping, white-knuckle conclusion, this noir masterpiece isn’t just a film—it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
All in all, the 1946 adaptation of The Postman Always Rings Twice isn’t just a movie—it’s a swirling cocktail of passion, suspense, and moral chaos that’ll have you glued to the screen. Whether it’s the sizzling chemistry, the nail-biting twists, or the shadow-drenched visuals, this noir gem serves up a cinematic experience that’s as irresistible as it is unforgettable. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Release Date: April 1946
Production Company: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Corp.
Screenplay: Based on the novel The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain (New York, 1934).
Directed by: Tay Garnett
Cast:
Lana Turner as Cora Smith
John Garfield as Frank Chambers
Cecil Kellaway as Nick Smith
Hume Cronyn as Arthur Keats
Leon Ames as Kyle Sackett
Audrey Totter as Madge Gorland
Alan Reed as Ezra Liam Kennedy
Jeff York as Blair
Interesting Notes:
The working title of this film was Bar-B-Q.
A January 1945 Hollywood Reporter news item indicates that Gregory Peck was considered for the role played by John Garfield.
Garfield was borrowed from Warner Bros. for this picture, and Cecil Kellaway was borrowed from Paramount.
Some filming took place at a gas station thirty miles southeast of Los Angeles.
A biography of Lana Turner notes that the actress once stated that her role in the film was her favorite assignment.
Cain adapted his novel for the stage in 1936. The New York production starred Richard Barthelmess, Mary Philips and Joseph Greenwald.
Other films based on Cain's novel are: the 1939 French film Le Dernier Tournant, directed by Pierre Chenal and starring Fernand Gravet and Corinne Luchaire; the 1942 Italian film Ossessione, directed by Luchino Visconti and starring Massimo Girotti and Clara Calamai; and the 1981 Lorimar film The Postman Always Rings Twice, directed by Bob Rafelson and starring Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange.
The 1942 Italian film, Ossessione, which did not credit Cain or his story, was the subject of an international copyright infringement dispute that resulted in M-G-M's successful lobbying to keep any prints of the film from being shown in the United States.
Enjoy!
...Jill
Photo credits: IMBd; TCM; wikimedia commons
Interesting Notes credit: Turner Classic Movies
The Forks Part…
Pull up a chair and get ready for a taste of roadside nostalgia! Since much of the drama in The Postman Always Rings Twice unfolds at the Twin Oaks Gas Bar and Lunch Diner, what better way to set the mood than with some Crescent Chicken—perfect for a cozy 'diner-meets-movie-night' vibe! This recipe, a cherished hit from my mom’s neighborhood bridge club, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. For that authentic diner experience, pair it with a heap of creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp side salad, and maybe even a frosty Coca-Cola or a cold beer to wash it all down. Prefer something fancier? Go ahead and pour yourself a glass of wine—it’s a movie night, after all! Whether you’re watching with friends or solo, this indulgent meal will have you savoring every bite while you dive into this noir classic. Bon appétit and enjoy the show!
Crescent Chicken
What You Need:
1 package cream cheese (3 oz)
2 Tablespoons butter (melted)
2 cups cooked cubed chicken (or two 3-oz cans chicken)
1/4 teaspoon salt
pepper to taste
2 Tablespoons milk
1 onion, diced
1 tube crescent rolls (8 in pkg)
a bit of melted butter (not to be confused with the 2 T melted butter that you mix with the cream cheese)
Seasoned bread crumbs
What To Do:
Blend cream cheese in bowl with 2 Tablespoons butter
Mix the chicken, salt, pepper, milk, and onion into the cream cheese
Pinch 2 crescent roll sections together
Put 1/2 cup of the mix in the centre
Pull up 4 corners to center and pinch sides to seal
Brush the tops in melted butter and sprinkle with seasoned bread crumbs
Bake in a 350 F (180C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
Lights, camera, Crescent Chicken! Enjoy the show!
What was with that highway cop and cats?