Despite the action being moved from California to London and the time being moved from the late1930s to the late 1970s, this is a more faithful rendition of Raymond Chandler’s novel than the heavily-sanitized 1946 Hollywood version. Sleazier and grittier. Michael Winner directed, wrote the screenplay and was co-producer, but don’t let that put you off. Winner might be a c*nt but he knows how to make thrillers. And what a cast! Robert Mitchum as Philip Marlowe James Stewart as General Sternwood Sarah Miles as Charlotte Sternwood Regan Edward Fox as Joe Brody Oliver Reed as Eddie Mars Joan Collins as Agnes Lozelle Harry Andrews as Norris, the butler Candy Clark as Camilla Sternwood Richard Boone as Lash Canino Colin Blakely as Harry Jones John Mills as Inspector Jim Carson Richard Todd as Commander Barker Dudley Sutton and a few other UK movie/TV stalwarts also present.
Some nice late-’70s cars featured and for the Sternwood residence they used Knebworth House. There’s a great continuous single take of Marlowe turning off the A1M at the A602 junction and going through the lanes to Knebworth House. At the end there’s another single take of him leaving and going back to the A602 » Continue Reading.