Watch Hammett

In the 1982 movie Hammett, the audience is transported back to the 1920s in San Francisco, a time and place that author Dashiell Hammett knew intimately. The movie is based on the novel by Joe Gores and directed by Wim Wenders. The film is centered on Hammett (played by Frederic Forrest), a former Pinkerton detective turned author. Although he now makes a living writing pulp fiction, he decides to get back into the detective game when he is contacted by an old friend, Jimmy Ryan (played by Peter Boyle). Ryan, a union leader, has been wrongly accused of murder and needs Hammett's help to clear his name.

As Hammett starts to investigate the case, he finds himself drawn back into the dangerous world of crime and corruption that he thought he had left behind. He crosses paths with a colorful cast of characters, including an enigmatic Chinese woman named Crystal Ling (played by Marilu Henner), who has connections to the criminal underworld.

The movie is a mix of crime drama and film noir, with dark and moody cinematography that captures the grit and grime of 1920s San Francisco. The atmosphere is intense and brooding, with tension building as Hammett gets deeper into the case.

Forrest gives a strong performance as Hammett, capturing the character's world-weary nature and inner turmoil. He is a man who has seen too much and has lost faith in the world around him. Despite this, he is still driven by a sense of justice and a desire to do what is right.

Boyle is equally impressive as Ryan, bringing a sense of gruff toughness to the character. He is a man who is used to fighting for what he believes in and is not afraid to get his hands dirty to get the job done.

Henner's portrayal of Crystal Ling is mysterious and alluring. Even though she has limited screen time, she leaves a lasting impression on both Hammett and the audience.

The supporting cast is also strong, with standout performances from Sylvia Sidney as Hammett's landlady and Elisha Cook Jr. as a shady informant.

What sets Hammett apart from other crime dramas is its attention to detail and authenticity. The filmmakers went to great lengths to recreate the sights and sounds of 1920s San Francisco, from the costumes to the sets to the vintage cars.

Overall, Hammett is a stylish and engaging movie that captures the spirit of Dashiell Hammett's novels. It is a must-see for fans of film noir and crime dramas.

Hammett is a 1982 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 61.