10 Best Film Noir Crime Dramas Adapted From Books

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Film noir, often referred to as “black films” or “dark films,” is a classic movie genre that thrived in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. It’s known for its crime dramas with dismal conclusions and pessimistic outlooks. These stories usually revolve around a private investigator, who finds himself drawn into a complex mystery. In this mystery, an alluring woman, often referred to as a “femme fatale,” attempts to seduce him, leading him not just astray but potentially to his doom. The settings of these films are typically dark and foreboding, filled with fear, deceit, and betrayal. Walk into the wrong back alley in a noir film, and you might find yourself in grave danger.

As a passionate movie enthusiast who appreciates the gritty allure of film noir, I’d like to share an intriguing fact: some of the most iconic films in this genre actually originated from novels that were transformed onto the silver screen. Here are ten captivating noir movies, their enigmatic and deceitful worlds inspired by literary works, presented in the order of their release.

1. The Maltese Falcon (1941) – Based on Dashiell Hammett’s novel of the same name
2. Double Indemnity (1944) – Adapted from James M. Cain’s novel
3. Laura (1944) – Inspired by Vera Caspary’s novel “Laura”
4. The Big Sleep (1946) – Based on Raymond Chandler’s novel of the same name
5. Gilda (1946) – Adapted from a story by Jo Eisinger and Gladys Lehman
6. The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946) – Inspired by a story by Robert W. C. Dennis, titled “A Double Life”
7. Out of the Past (1947) – Based on Daniel Mainwaring’s novel “Build My Gallows High”
8. The Lady from Shanghai (1948) – Adapted from Sherwood King’s novel “If I Die Before I Wake”
9. In a Lonely Place (1950) – Based on Dorothy B. Hughes’ novel
10. Sunset Boulevard (1950) – Inspired by Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett’s original story idea.

10
‘High Sierra’ (1941)

Based on ‘High Sierra’ by William R. Burnett

In the world of cinema, Raoul Walsh is undeniably a legendary figure. Out of the approximately 150 films he directed, it’s widely believed that “High Sierra” could be his masterpiece. This movie was instrumental in catapulting Humphrey Bogart, one of the most iconic actors in cinema history, to stardom. It provided him with the career-boosting opportunity he had been yearning for so dearly. As a result, Bogart transformed into a household name and secured his position as a leading man in Hollywood. Moreover, “High Sierra” significantly contributed to establishing Bogart as a prominent figure in the film noir genre, a status that this discussion will further corroborate.

The movie “High Sierra” narrates the tale of ex-gangster Roy “Mad Dog” Earle (Bogart), who finds himself entangled in a jewel heist upon his release from prison. The film is an on-screen interpretation of the novel bearing the same title, written by William R. Burnett. John Huston, who collaborated with Burnett, was instrumental in transforming the book into this cinematic masterpiece.

9
‘The Maltese Falcon’ (1941)

Based on ‘The Maltese Falon’ by Dashiell Hammett

The Maltese Falcon is arguably the most renowned noir movie ever produced, taking place in San Francisco. This film stars Humphrey Bogart as the well-known private detective, Sam Spade, who embarks on a mission to find a valuable statue. The Maltese Falcon marks the directorial debut of John Huston, a man who later became one of cinema’s most revered directors. This movie significantly influenced the film noir genre, with Bogart’s character serving as the prototype for the genre’s quintessential hero.

The movie “The Maltese Falcon” is inspired by Dashiell Hammett’s 1930 novel of the same name and serves as a remake. The first screen adaptation of the novel was in 1931, but it has been largely overshadowed by the more memorable version directed by Huston and starring Bogart, which appeared ten years later.

8
‘Double Indemnity’ (1944)

Based on ‘Double Indemnity’ by James M. Cain

The classic film “Double Indemnity” is a prime example of the film noir genre. In this movie, an insurance agent collaborates with a woman who’s already married to devise a plan to kill her spouse for a substantial insurance payout.

Double Indemnity derives its plot from James M. Cain’s serialized story in Liberty magazine, later published as a novel in 1943. It boasts an impressive roster of Hollywood legends such as Fred MacMurray, Edward G. Robinson, and Barbara Stanwyck portraying one of the most menacing screen sirens. Renowned director Billy Wilder helmed this film, which left a lasting impression on the genre known as film noir and is often hailed as one of the best, most tension-filled movies in the genre.

7
‘The Postman Always Rings Twice’ (1946)

Based on ‘The Postman Always Rings Twice’ by James M. Cain

From the title alone, it’s clear that the movie “The Postman Always Rings Twice” belongs to the film noir genre. The narrative revolves around an illicit romance between a married woman and a wandering man, which eventually leads to a plan to eliminate her husband. This is reminiscent of the cunning actions often associated with a ‘deadly’ female character, and in this case, Lana Turner brings the character to life.

The movie titled “The Postman Always Rings Twice” derives its name from a 1934 novel written by James M. Cain. It’s important to note that this is actually the third film adaptation of Cain’s novel, but it’s the first time an English version has been made and it employs the original title for the first time in adaptations.

6
‘The Big Sleep’ (1946)

Based on ‘The Big Sleep’ by Raymond Chandler

The Big Sleep is another classic movie in Humphrey Bogart’s impressive repertoire, known for several reasons. The story revolves around Philip Marlowe, a renowned private investigator in cinema, as he delves into the blackmail case of a wealthy family’s daughter. The Big Sleep was masterfully directed by Howard Hawks and is an adaptation from the 1939 bestselling novel bearing the same name, written by Raymond Chandler.

The standout aspect might be that it features the legendary Lauren Bacall as Marlow’s seductive woman, often referred to as a femme fatale. In real life, Humphrey Bogart and Bacall were involved in a well-known romance, despite their 25-year age difference. Their love was deep and evident on screen, with an electric chemistry that is palpable. Following the completion of “The Big Sleep“, Bogart divorced his third wife. Shortly after, he married Bacall, and this relationship endured until the end of Bogart’s life.

5
‘Sunset Boulevard’ (1950)

Based on ‘The Loved One’ by Evelyn Waugh

Sunset Boulevard is inspired by Evelyn Waugh’s 1948 novel The Loved One, although it has some deviations from the original story. This film tells the tale of a struggling screenwriter and his life with a former silent-film star, directed by Billy Wilder, who was an admirer of the book. However, he couldn’t secure the rights to directly adapt it, so instead, he collaborated on a script that loosely follows Waugh’s novel.

Set on the renowned Hollywood street known by the same name, Sunset Boulevard, depicts the dynamic between a struggling screenwriter and a once-prominent silent film actress, Norma Desmond (played by Gloria Swanson). Obsessed with reclaiming her former glory in the movie industry, Norma descends further into madness, losing grip on what’s real. Since its debut, Sunset Boulevard is often praised as one of the greatest films ever created. The film concludes with one of the most iconic and spine-tingling lines in cinematic history: “Very well, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.

4
‘Strangers on a Train’ (1951)

Based on ‘Strangers on a Train’ by Patricia Highsmith

One of Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpieces, “Strangers on a Train,” was initially met with mixed opinions but has since become widely acclaimed. As its title implies, the story unfolds when two individuals encounter each other on a train and entertain the chilling notion of exchanging murders for one another, leading them into a tangled world of crime and deceit.>

The movie “Strangers on a Train” is quintessential Hitchcock, brimming with tension, enigma, and nerve-wracking suspense. It’s an adaptation of the 1950 novel of the same name by Patricia Highsmith, who also penned the acclaimed book “The Talented Mr. Ripley“. There are rumors that a remake of this timeless film is being developed by esteemed director David Fincher.

3
‘The Big Heat’ (1953)

Based on ‘The Big Heat’ by William P. McGivern

Fritz Lang is a renowned director who has left an indelible mark on cinema, particularly in the realm of film noir. One of his most significant works within this genre is the 1953 movie, “The Big Heat.” This story revolves around a determined police officer who sets out to dismantle a criminal syndicate following the suspected suicide of his colleague.

I hail from the silver screen adaptation of “The Big Heat,” a narrative originally serialized in The Saturday Evening Post by author William P. McGivern and later published as a novel in 1953. The brilliant script for this masterpiece was penned by Sydney Boehm, who, prior to his Hollywood career, honed his skills as a crime reporter. It’s no surprise that “The Big Heat” is celebrated among the greatest film noir ever produced, given the combined talents of Fritz Lang and Sydney Boehm at work.

2
‘Touch of Evil’ (1958)

Based on ‘Badge of Evil’ by Whit Masterson

The thrilling and intense opening scene of Touch of Evil, a film directed by the renowned Orson Welles, unfolds in a single continuous shot, culminating in a car bomb that tragically takes the lives of two individuals. This incident triggers an intricate investigation headed by a Mexican narcotics officer, who finds himself entangled between a powerful crime syndicate and a corrupt U.S. border detective. Touch of Evil features Welles alongside Charlton Heston and Janet Leigh, and its screenplay was loosely adapted from Whit Masterson’s 1956 novel Badge of Evil.

Initially met with unfavorable criticism upon its debut, Touch of Evil has since earned positive appraisals in hindsight. Today, it is often praised as one of Orson Welles’s finest works and a notable addition to both his oeuvre and the classic noir genre.

1
‘L.A. Confidential’ (1997)

Based on ‘L.A. Confidential’ by James Ellroy

The style of film noir diminished after the 1950s, opening up opportunities for neo-noir, a genre that employs themes from film noir in modern settings while incorporating fresh styles and visual elements. The 1997 movie L.A. Confidential, however, revived the classic elements of film noir by recreating the atmosphere and era of the 1950s and showcasing traditional characters. This film focuses on three LAPD officers who have distinct personalities and work together to solve a string of murders using their unique methods of justice.

The movie “L.A. Confidential” is adapted from James Ellroy’s 1990 novel of the same name, which is part of his “L.A. Quartet” series. This film boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Kevin Spacey, Kim Basinger, Danny DeVito, Russell Crowe, and Guy Pearce. Interestingly, at the time of filming, Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce were relatively unknown actors who rose to prominence following their roles in this movie, with Russell Crowe particularly gaining recognition as a leading man.

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2025-01-11 04:02