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The Postman Always Rings Twice

1946

Tay Garnett

Lana Turner, John Garfield, Cecil Kellaway, Hume Cronyn ...

7.6

17,756

Film noir. Mystery. Drama. Romance Set during the Depression, this story concerns an older man and his attractive young wife, who take on drifter Frank Chambers (John Garfield) as an employee at their roadside cafe. Cora, the unhappy wife, is searching for a way out of her drab day-to-day existence. Soon she and Frank develop lustful feelings for each other, and their passions grow until they plan a new life together -- a new life that begins with her husband's murder.

	Author	Review
United States	Bosley Crowther The New York Times	"'The Postman' appears no more than a melodramatic tale (...) But the artistry of writers and actors have made it much more than that; it is, indeed, a sincere comprehension of an American tragedy."	POS
United States	Variety Staff Variety	"As in Cain’s book, there will be little audience sympathy for the characters (...) The writing is terse and natural to the characters and events that transpire"	POS
United States	Kevin Thomas Los Angeles Times	"This 1946 version became a key film in postwar Hollywood film noir. Directed by Tay Garnett, it remains one of Lana Turner's very best films."	POS
United States	TV Guide	"The best version of James M. Cain's torrid, hard-hitting romance comes to startling life under Garnett's shrewd direction."	POS
United States	Dave Kehr Chicago Tribune	"This 1946 film is a key work of the postwar period, dripping with demented romanticism and the venom of disillusionment. Tay Garnett directed, finding the pull of obsession in every tracking shot."	POS
United States	Pauline Kael The New Yorker	"Entertaining, though overlong"	POS

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