“The Postman Always Rings Twice”: 5th Film in “High Heels and Fedoras” series at Daystar Center June 11, 2013

Tuesday, June 11, 2013
6:30 p.m.
The Venue 1550 at the Daystar Center
1550 S. State Street

The Postman Always Rings Twice was one of the top box office hits of 1946. It also provided stars, Lana Turner and John Garfield with, arguably, the best screen roles of their careers.

Based on the novel by James M. Cain, The Postman Always Rings Twice has a lot in common with Double Indemnity, also penned by Cain. Both feature duplicitous couples planning a murder. And just like Double Indemnity, Postman’s femme fatale is married to an older man who is “inconvenient.”

Cora Smith (Turner) is a beautiful young waitress who works at her husband Nick’s (Cecil Kellaway) gas station and hamburger restaurant. When a drifter named Frank Chambers (John Garfield) starts working alongside Cora, the sparks fly. When Cora suggests that she and Frank could be together if something should happen to Nick, things begin to get crazy. Will Cora and Frank be able to pull off the perfect crime? Will they both get away with murder? Find out on Tuesday!

Here’s what New York Times critic Bosley Crowther said about the stars’ performances in his May 3, 1946 review:

Too much cannot be said for the principals. Mr. Garfield reflects to the life the crude and confused young hobo who stumbles aimlessly into a fatal trap. And Miss Turner is remarkably effective as the cheap and uncertain blonde who has a pathetic ambition to “be somebody” and a pitiful notion that she can realize it through crime.

To purchase tickets for in advance for the June 11 screening, click here. Tickets are $5 per person general admission $3 for students and seniors. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. To stay on top of film events like this, join the Chicago Film Club Meetup.

To download a flyer to post in your building or office, click here.

Director Tay Garnett with Lana Turner and John Garfield
on the set of The Postman Always Rings Twice

The Venue 1550 is located at 1550 S. State St. in the Daystar Center. The Daystar Center offers a variety of educational, artistic and cultural activities, including classes for children that teach practical life skills like social aptitude, creativity and cultural awareness in fun ways; classes for adults that give space for self-reflection and improvement; room rentals for many different-sized groups in several multipurpose rooms. For more information, call 312.674.0001 or visit their Web site.