The Postman Always Rings Twice Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A drifter and a diner waitress decide the only way to improve their lives is through insurance fraud, but end up only improving the business of local lawyers.

🍿 The Postman Always Rings Twice: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Drifter Arrives at Twin Oaks

Frank Chambers, a drifter looking for work, stops at the Twin Oaks diner, a roadside restaurant owned by the older Nick Smith. He’s immediately captivated by Nick’s beautiful, younger wife, Cora. Nick hires Frank, and a palpable tension sparks between Frank and Cora, setting the stage for a dangerous affair.

A Deadly Romance Begins

Cora feels trapped in her marriage to Nick and dreams of a better life. The attraction between her and Frank intensifies quickly, leading to a passionate affair. They both realize Nick stands in the way of their happiness, and the idea of eliminating him begins to take root.

Botched Murder Attempt

Cora and Frank devise a plan to kill Nick, but their initial attempt fails due to an unforeseen accident. This sets off a chain of mistrust and suspicion. They try to cover their tracks, but the near-miss only strengthens their resolve to find another way to be together.

The Second Attempt

Desperate to escape their situation, Frank and Cora plan a second, more calculated murder. This time, they successfully stage an accident, but their actions draw the attention of the local District Attorney, Kyle Sackett. The legal and emotional fallout from Nick’s death escalates quickly.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Frank Chambers (John Garfield): A drifter who becomes entangled in a dangerous affair and murder plot with a married woman.
• Cora Smith (Lana Turner): The alluring and dissatisfied wife who conspires with her lover to kill her husband.
• Nick Smith (Cecil Kellaway): The unsuspecting and oblivious older husband who owns a roadside diner.
• Arthur Keats (Hume Cronyn): The shrewd and cynical lawyer who defends Cora and Frank.
• Kyle Sackett (Leon Ames): The determined district attorney who suspects Frank and Cora of murder.
• Madge Gorland (Audrey Totter): A woman Frank has an affair with while Cora is away.
• Ezra Liam Kennedy (Alan Reed): A corrupt private detective who attempts to blackmail Frank and Cora.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Cora Smith: “It’s too bad Nick took the car.” – Cora says this to Frank, after their first failed attempt to elope, highlighting the practical constraints on their desires.
• Frank Chambers: “Stealing a man’s wife, that’s nothing, but stealing a man’s car, that’s larceny.” – Frank says this to Cora when she says it’s too bad Nick took the car, encapsulating the cynical humor and moral ambiguity of the film.
• Frank Chambers: “They got me for something I didn’t do.” – Said by Frank before his execution, underscoring the tragic irony and the feeling of fate closing in.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,683,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Postman Always Rings Twice Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into the dangerous affair between Frank and Cora. Lana Turner is mesmerizing, and their chemistry is palpable. The scene where they first plot the murder is so tense, you can feel the weight of their decision. I also found myself rooting for them even though they did a bad thing, that’s how compelling it was. The ending, although tragic, felt inevitable and fitting, proving that crime really doesn’t pay.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic film noir”
  • “Viewers interested in crime thrillers”
  • “People who appreciate strong female leads”
  • “Those who enjoy films with themes of fate and justice”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Murder”
  • “Adultery”
  • “Violence”
  • “Suggestive themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Sultry and suspenseful, ‘The Postman Always Rings Twice’ simmers with forbidden desires. Turner’s icy femme fatale and Garfield’s raw masculinity create a potent on-screen chemistry. While the plot veers into melodrama, the performances and atmosphere make it a must-see film noir.
• The New York Times: “Though somewhat stagey in its presentation, ‘The Postman Always Rings Twice’ captivates with its tale of lust and murder. The black-and-white cinematography heightens the sense of dread, and the dialogue crackles with cynical wit. A classic example of how to thrill without explicit content.
• Sight & Sound: “One of the most compelling and memorable film noir movies ever done, The Postman Always Rings Twice is simply the best film noir ever done. Lana Turner, is stunning as Cora. John Garfield gives a bravura performance as Frank Chambers. This movie belongs to Lana Turner.

Audience Reactions

Lana Turner’s performance as the seductive Cora is iconic and unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise the intense chemistry between Lana Turner and John Garfield.

The twisty plot keeps you guessing until the very end.: The film’s noir elements, including the dark atmosphere and moral ambiguity, are highly appreciated.

Overall Consensus: A classic film noir celebrated for its captivating performances, suspenseful plot, and exploration of forbidden desires.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “James M. Cain was so impressed with Lana Turner’s performance that he presented her with a leather-bound copy of the book, inscribed, ‘For my dear Lana, thank you for giving a performance that was even finer than I expected.'”
• “Several studios initially passed on the project due to concerns about censorship and the Production Code, highlighting the challenges of adapting morally ambiguous stories during that era.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Postman Always Rings Twice?

The 1946 adaptation of ‘The Postman Always Rings Twice,’ starring Lana Turner and John Garfield, is a classic film noir not currently available on major streaming subscription services like Netflix or Hulu. However, it can often be found for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for availability and pricing. You can also find it for purchase on physical media like Blu-ray or DVD.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Postman Always Rings Twice, you might like these similar films:

• Double Indemnity (1944): A classic film noir with a similar plot involving adultery and murder for insurance money, exploring themes of greed and betrayal.
• Body Heat (1981): A modern neo-noir that updates the themes of lust, betrayal, and murder with a more explicit and stylized approach.
• Bound (1996): A thriller that shares the film’s fatal attraction, however, switches it up and features a lesbian couple conspiring against one of their dangerous lovers.
• The Killers (1946): A film noir from the same era with a twisting plot, focusing on crime and betrayal, driven by a femme fatale and a doomed protagonist.

🛒 The Postman Always Rings Twice Related Products

• The Postman Always Rings Twice (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A high-quality Blu-ray edition with restored visuals and sound, plus bonus content featuring insights into the film’s production and impact.
• The Postman Always Rings Twice: James M. Cain (Vintage Crime/Black Lizard): The original novel by James M. Cain that inspired the movie, offering a darker and more detailed exploration of the characters and plot.
• Film Noir: The Dark Side of Hollywood: A curated collection of classic film noir movies. Experience iconic films with similar themes of darkness, suspense, and moral ambiguity.
• Lana Turner Poster: The Postman Always Rings Twice: A stylish poster featuring Lana Turner, perfect for decorating a home theater or adding a touch of classic Hollywood glamour to any space.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Postman Always Rings Twice features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “She’s Funny That Way” – performed by Neil Moret

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Julie Garfield on her Father John Garfield

Ever wonder what it was like to be the daughter of a film noir legend? Julie Garfield shares some amazing stories about her dad, John Garfield, and his iconic role in “The Postman Always Rings Twice.” I found it super interesting to hear her perspective!

The Murderer Always Rings Twice | The Carol Burnett Show Clip

Need a good laugh? This Carol Burnett Show sketch, “The Murderer Always Rings Twice,” is a hilarious take on the film! It’s so silly and fun – definitely worth a watch if you’re a fan of classic comedy.

FEMME FATALES 🔥 of classic FILM NOIR

Want to know what makes a true femme fatale? This video breaks down the iconic women of film noir, including Lana Turner in “The Postman Always Rings Twice.” It’s a quick watch and really gives you a new appreciation for those complex characters!

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