The guys discuss the classic film noir adaptation, KISS ME DEADLY, based on the 1952 pulp detective novel by Mickey Spillane.
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One evening, private detective Mike Hammer picks up a strange woman, Berga Torn, who has escaped from a nearby sanitarium and is standing on the side of the road wearing only a trench coat. They’re stopped by mobsters who push Mike’s car off a cliff, killing Berga and inspiring Mike to avenge her death. Although warned not to investigate the death by the police, Mike and his assistant Velda discover a plot involving the mafia, drugs, and a whole lot of femme fatales. Themes of truth, power, control and societal rot feature prominently.
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The film adaptation was directed by Robert Aldrich and written by Albert Isaac “Buzz” Bezzeries and Robert Aldrich (uncredited). The film stars Ralph Meeker, Albert Dekker, Paul Stewart and Juan Hernandez. The film is considered to be one of the major influences on the film noir genre.
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Topics of discussion include the differences from the novel, the icon that is Mickey Spillane, the impact the film has had on major contemporary directors, the Cold War themes, the wild ending, and whether or not you should join the mafia.
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(0:00) From the book
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(1:30) Fast facts, recap, trivia
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(18:51) A word from our sponsor
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(19:31) Studio pitch & novel breakdown
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(36:20) Trailer
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(38:33) Learn you something, differences from the book
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(1:30:00) Coming up next, and outro
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Coming up next: IN A LONELY PLACE by Dorothy B. Hughes
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