HARDBOILED FICTION - Both hardboiled and noir crime
fiction are rooted in dime novels, muckraking newspapers and pulp novels
beginning in the depression and eventually going out of fashion by the sixties.
A hardboiled protagonist is a cynical detective caught up in aftermath of violent
crime or a corrupt legal system very often portrayed as an antihero. A noir protagonist
is a victim, a suspect, or a perpetrator with a self-destructive streak often
put in a position to victimize self or others, trapped in a losing situation. The
following are some of my favorites. Enjoy!
The Maltese Falcon (1930)
Dashiell Hammett
When a detective’s partner is shot, he finds trouble,
desperate to track down a valuable treasure.
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1934)
James Cain
A drifter gets himself caught up in a bizarre love
triangle.
The Big Sleep (1939)
Raymond Chandler
A PI agrees to help a family with a case of gambling debt
but once the murders begin, he finds himself in over his head.
The Black Curtain (1941)
Cornell Woolrich
An amnesiac can’t remember anything yet finds himself
identified as a murder suspect.
I, The Jury (1947)
Mickey Spillane
A tough detective investigates the brutal murder of his
best friend.
The Nine Wrong Answers 1952
John Dickson Carr
A whodunit featuring a series of nine incorrect answers,
leading up to the final correct answer.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955)
Patricia Highsmith
A father gets more trickery than he bargained for when he
asks a supposed friend for help to convince his playboy son to come home.
Crime novels are always grabbing my attention. Honestly, I’m interested in all of the above! There’s not one that sounds more appealing than the other.
ReplyDeleteI love to read! Can't say I'm really into crime novels though. CSI gives me nightmares and has ruined me for all things crime related. Books would be even worse!
ReplyDeleteI have never seen any of these old classics. I saw Talented Mr Ripley remake a few years back but it would be awesome to get a hold of one of these older versions to watch, because I love watching old movies!
ReplyDeleteSome excellent movies in that selection
ReplyDeleteAlways a classic movie lover, Pulp Fiction is still my favorite at all times!
ReplyDeleteAt last! Hardboiled explained so I know exatly what it is. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat list, Chad. There's a couple of these I'd like to read, and even re-read. Cheers!
ReplyDelete