The Unfaithful

W. Somerset Maugham (story)
David Goodis and James Gunn (screenwriters)
Vincent Sherman (director)
Ann Sheridan, Lew Ayres, Zachary Scott, and Eve Arden (starring),

Burbank, CA: Warner Brothers, 1947. Original Pressbook for the 1947 film noir.

A little-seen noir with an interesting history. Based on the 1940 film, "The Letter," which is in turn an adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham's 1926 short story of the same title (first collected in "The Casuarina Tree"). Written for the screen by David Goodis and James Gunn. The film infamously failed to give credit to Maugham's story, though the fact that it was so studiously reworked probably has much to do with the author's lack of interest in making a legal matter of it.

Ann Sheridan plays a woman in distress accused of lying about her connection with a murdered man, is eventually acquitted in court. Her character presents a unique picture of the noir female, being neither afraid for her sanity or her life, and yet a victim of postwar instability and infidelity in the context of being a military wife (Silver, et al).

16 pages, saddle stapled, folded once, 11 x 17 inches. Very Good plus, with slight separation at the spine, a few tiny closed tears, and light stressing to the fold.

Selby US. Silver Classic Noir. Spicer US.


[Book #125339]