This is a classic film noir adaptation of the Raymond Chandler, Philip Marlowe novel Murder My Lovely. Marlowe is hired by a dangerous thug Moose Malloy, just out of prison, to look for his former girlfriend. Things start getting complicated from there because the former girlfriend does not want to be found, and soon Marlowe does not know who to trust.

Crooner Dick Powell plays Philip Marlowe in this film and rumor has it that his film depiction of Marlowe was Raymond Chandler's favorite. I found Powell to be more than up to the task. His interpretation of Marlowe is different from Bogart's but no less valid, and perhaps closer to the book version. Powell can snap off the witty dialog and comebacks that are a Marlowe trademark right up there with Bogart. Claire Trevor is excellent as the femme fatale who can wrap men around her finger. It's a shame that Dick Powell didn't play Marlowe in more movies, but don't miss him in this one.

Murder My Sweet, is available on DVD.