Watch The Postman Always Rings Twice

Set in a small town in California during the Great Depression, "The Postman Always Rings Twice" tells the story of a drifter named Frank Chambers, played by John Garfield, who stops at a roadside diner run by Nick Smith, a middle-aged man played by Cecil Kellaway. Nick hires Frank as a handyman, and Frank soon becomes entangled in a passionate and dangerous affair with Nick's young and attractive wife, Cora, played by Lana Turner.

Their illicit affair leads to a chain of events that ultimately ends in tragedy. Frank and Cora try to figure a way out of their situation, but their choices only lead to more violence and heartbreak. The chemistry between Turner and Garfield is undeniable, and they deliver unforgettable performances in their roles.

The film is a noir masterpiece, with its moody lighting and shadow-filled sets. Director Tay Garnett creates a palpable sense of tension and danger, and the film's famous opening shot of a hitchhiking Garfield sets the tone for the film's themes of loneliness, desperation, and desire. The film is based on the novel of the same name by James M. Cain, and while the film deviates from the original story in some significant ways, it ultimately captures the novel's hard-edged and unsettling tone.

"The Postman Always Rings Twice" has become a classic in the film noir genre, and its influence can be seen in many subsequent films. The themes of greed, lust, and betrayal resonate with audiences, and the film's complex characters and ambiguous morality continue to fascinate viewers. The film was controversial upon its release due to its frank depiction of adultery and violence, but it has since been recognized as a landmark film in American cinema.

Turner's performance as Cora is particularly noteworthy. Her beauty and sensuality are central to the film's plot, but Turner also infuses her character with a deep vulnerability and desperation. Cora is a complex and tragic figure, and Turner's nuanced performance elevates the character from being a mere femme fatale to a fully realized human being.

Garfield is equally impressive as Frank, conveying both the character's rough-edged charm and his ruthless nature. Frank is a man driven by his own desires, and Garfield captures his sense of restlessness and his dangerous edge in a way that makes him both compelling and repulsive.

Kellaway's role as Nick is also noteworthy, as he brings a sense of pathos to a character that could have easily been played as a caricature. Nick is a sad and lonely figure, and Kellaway imbues his performance with a sense of quiet dignity that makes his ultimate fate all the more poignant.

Overall, "The Postman Always Rings Twice" is a classic film noir that has stood the test of time. Its themes and characters continue to resonate with audiences, and its influence can be seen in many subsequent films. The film's moody atmosphere, complex characters, and heartbreaking story make it a must-see for fans of noir and classic cinema.

The Postman Always Rings Twice is a 1946 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 84.