Paperback edition of Chandler’s best known solo film script includes the famous John Houseman essay about the writing the film (Chandler wrote most of the screenplay drunk) plus an excellent analysis of the script, which offers some pertinent criticisms.It points out – correctly I think – that the method by which Alan Ladd proves William Bendix’s innocence is a bit silly, the Veronica Lake character is introduced poorly and seems like an after-thought, and the action goes off the rails towards the end. The killer was originally supposed to be the William Bendix character but censorship wouldn’t allow it – but watching the film I prefer it that Bendix is innocent, he’s such a likeable lug (and too obviously set up as a killer otherwise).
It’s a strong screenplay and Chandler’s gift for dialogue ensures its worth reading on its own. Several of the characters are memorable, such as those played by Bendix and Howard da Silva (the sympathetic baddy who despite fooling around with Ladd’s dead wife still loves his ex wife Veronica Lake).
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