Chandler on Speed Limits
A few nights ago Isaac and I had a treat and watched the film "Double Indemnity" again–our second time, although Isaac claims not to remember the first. I remembered liking it but I'd forgotten just how good I thought it was. You'll recall that this is Billy Wilder's trend-setting film noir, starring Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, and Edward G. Robinson. (More on the movie.) Here they are at a tense moment late in the film.
Stanwyck in her cheap blond wig was fabulous, of course, as the cheap gold digger who manipulated Fred MacMurray into killing her husband. MacMurray was surprising in this role but he did it remarkably. However, I think it was Robinson–not playing a gangster!–who was the most brilliant in his role.
But what I really enjoyed was the dialog. There are a few characteristics that cause me to look favorably on a movie but the biggest one might be the dialog. I like talky movies, especially when the talk is this good.
The screenplay credit goes to Raymond Chandler and Billy Wilder, and you know most of the dialog came from the mind of Chandler. The first time I watched the film I'm sure it was because I was in my Chandler phase and had just learned that he had written the screenplay. Chandler's books were amazing to me–such style, such wit, such dialog! Ah, to be able to write like that.
And so, what prompted this little note was listening again to this famous scene between Stanwyck and MacMurray early on, soon after they've met. Chandler scintillates and Stanwyck and MacMurray rise admirably to the occasion:
Phyllis: There's a speed limit in this state, Mr. Neff. Forty-five miles an hour.
Walter: How fast was I going, officer?
Phyllis: I'd say around ninety.
Walter: Suppose you get down off your motorcycle and give me a ticket.
Phyllis: Suppose I let you off with a warning this time.
Walter: Suppose it doesn't take.
Phyllis: Suppose I have to whack you over the knuckles.
Walter: Suppose I bust out crying and put my head on your shoulder.
Phyllis: Suppose you try putting it on my husband's shoulder.
Walter: That tears it.
Oh heck, let's watch that bit of scene while we're here:
[YouTube link for those who don't see the embedded player.]