Hardboiled Screen: James M. Cain on Film

James M. Cain is one of the most influential writers of hardboiled crime fiction in history, but his influence on film is equally as important. Andy Rohmer has set about the gargantuan task of giving a comprehensive overview of every Cain adaptation on film, not to mention every screenplay that Cain himself ever worked on.

Most of us will have either seen or heard of the famous adaptations of Double Indemnity, The Postman Always Rings Twice and Mildred Pierce. Rohmer gives these classics the critical analysis and insight they deserve. However, I’d put money on the fact that you haven’t seen Sari Bela, a Turkish adaptation of Postman, or Yu Hai Qing Mo a Hong Kong adaptation of Mildred Pierce. And I’d bet the bank that you haven’t seen Eruption, a hardcore porn adaptation of Double Indemnity starring Johnny Wad, the adult actor who will forever be remembered for his involvement in the Wonderland murders. Well, maybe you have seen Eruption but you’re disinclined to admit it.

Andy Rohmer has hunted down all of these films and he gives them a fair hearing. Needless to say, some of them are awful but he finds hidden gems and fine examples of World Cinema that Cain’s writing has inspired. Rohmer gives the reader insightful analysis and catty behind the scenes gossip with the ready wit he displayed in previous volumes of his Writers-On-Film series.

Order a copy today. It’s a terrific read that will make you raise a whiskey tumbler to Cain’s incredible contribution to literature and film.