Watch Marlowe

Marlowe is a 1969 American neo-noir film directed by Paul Bogart and starring James Garner, Gayle Hunnicutt, and Carroll O'Connor. This film is based on the Raymond Chandler novel "The Little Sister" and features private eye Philip Marlowe played by James Garner as its lead character. Philip Marlowe is a hard-boiled private detective hired by the beautiful and wealthy heiress, Mrs. Helen Grayle (played by Gayle Hunnicutt), to find her missing husband, Roger Wade. However, things take a complicated turn when Marlowe discovered that Roger Wade has actually been murdered, and the police believe that Mrs. Grayle is the prime suspect. The case quickly evolves into a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with Marlowe being threatened and nearly killed multiple times.

The film's main setting is the city of Los Angeles, with its classic Hollywood glamour, neon-lit streets, and plush mansions populated by Hollywood elites. This movie presents a distinctly 1960s interpretation of the hard-boiled detective genre, with its infusion of psychedelic scenes and modernist architecture. This unique blend creates an unusual backdrop to the gritty existence of Marlowe as he battles his way through various complex situations in his quest for the truth.

As Marlowe delves deeper into the murder investigation, he uncovers a web of intricate connections between the deceased Roger Wade and a corrupt LA police lieutenant named French (played by Carroll O'Connor). With the help of a young and ambitious writer named Dolores Gonzales (played by Rita Moreno), Marlowe attempts to uncover the truth behind the complicated network of deceit, corruption, and murder that threatens to consume them all.

Unlike many other films in the noir genre, Marlowe eschews the classic fatalism and moral ambiguity. Instead, this film attempts to present Marlowe as a principled and honest detective, albeit with a wry sense of humor and a sardonic outlook on life. Additionally, the movie incorporates the playful banter, hard-boiled dialogue, and sensuous femme fatales commonly seen in classic noir films.

Overall, Marlowe is an entertaining and engaging movie, with a strong central performance from James Garner as Philip Marlowe. Its classic noir elements like the hard-nosed detective, the glamorous cityscapes, and the complex cast of characters combine with the colorful energy of the 1960s, resulting in a unique and intriguing viewing experience. For lovers of the genre or those who have an interest in this era of film, Marlowe is a must-watch.

Marlowe is a 1969 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.