Cornell Woolrich from Pulp Noir to Film Noir
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Book Presentation:
Extremely popular and prolific in the 1930s and 1940s, Cornell Woolrich still has diehard fans who thrive on his densely packed descriptions and his spellbinding premises. A contemporary of Hammett and Chandler, he competed with them for notoriety in the pulps and became the single most adapted writer for films of the noir period. Perhaps the most famous film adaptation of a Woolrich story is Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window (1954). Even today, his work is still onscreen; Michael Cristofer’s Original Sin (2001) is based on one of his tales. This book offers a detailed analysis of many of Woolrich’s novels and short stories; examines films adapted from these works; and shows how Woolrich’s techniques and themes influenced the noir genre. Twenty-two stories and 30 films compose the bulk of the study, though many other additions of films noirs are also considered because of their relevance to Woolrich’s plots, themes and characters. The introduction includes a biographical sketch of Woolrich and his relationship to the noir era, and the book is illustrated with stills from Woolrich’s noir classics.
About the Author:
Thomas C. Renzi is an administrator and instructor at Buffalo State College in Buffalo, New York.
Press Reviews:
"This volume is tops, and it is my hope that Thomas C. Renzi writes more of the same…excellent…intelligent and interesting reading…a meticulous evaluation of the films and the author proves that he really knows his noir and Woolrich. Highly recommended"—Classic Images
"In-depth examination…detailed analysis…‘must-read’…excellent…meticulously researched…highly readable…recommended"—Midwest Book Review
> From the same author:
Screwball Comedy and Film Noir (2012)
Unexpected Connections
Jules Verne on Film (2004)
A Filmography of the Cinematic Adaptations of His Works, 1902 through 1997
Subject: Genre > Adventures
> On a related topic:
Noir Fiction and Film (2021)
Diversions and Misdirections
Mickey Spillane on Screen (2012)
A Complete Study of the Television and Film Adaptations
The Dark Page II (2009)
Books That Inspired American Film Noir (1950-1965)
Thrillers, Chillers, and Killers (2025)
Radio and Film Noir
Three Faces Of Noir Curse Crime Cringe (2025)
Film Noir In The Public Domain Vol IV
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