‘Dain Curse’ (1978), Hammett’s most emotional novel, gets miniseries treatment
Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): Although he doesn’t resemble Hammett’s description, James Coburn makes an appealing screen version of the Continental Op.
‘Four Flies on Grey Velvet’ (1971) completes ‘animal trilogy’ with buzz
Frightening Friday (Movie review): Argento’s hand becomes steadier on the giallo tiller in his third directorial effort.
‘Antitrust’s’ (2001) cyber-paranoia has not become obsolete
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This thriller, broadly in the hacker subgenre, asks if you can trust corporations or people – or neither.
Wilder adds to sleuth’s lore in ‘Private Life of Sherlock Holmes’ (1970)
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): The premise: This unusually personal mystery was kept from the public till 50 years after the sleuth’s passing.
‘Dial ‘M’ for Murder’ (1981) remains gripping in Plummer’s TV movie
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): The remake is inferior in most ways, but it serves to remind us how ingenious Frederick Knott’s story is.
A baffling mystery: Why has there never been a Continental Op TV series?
Sleuthing Sunday (TV commentary): One obscure half-hour episode from 1995 features Hammett’s prolific detective, and teases what we could have over the course of a full series.
‘The Gorge’ can’t clear the gap to greatness
Movie review: Standard sci-fi intrigue and two likeable leads keep Derrickson’s film from descending too far, but it could’ve been better.
‘Cat o’ Nine Tails’ (1971) a few whiskers short of Argento’s debut
Frightening Friday (Movie review): Still, this mystery-slasher is worth watching for strong set pieces and nods to Hitchcock.
‘Tron’ (1982) is groundbreaking, but a chore to watch
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): If you come for the early CGI effects, you might end up taking a nap during the story.
‘Avanti!’ (1972) not among Wilder’s elite, but it certainly avoids cliches
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): By not challenging its own morality (or immorality), the film oddly encourages us to think outside the box.