The Postman Always Rings Twice - scene by scene comparison of 1946 and 1981 versions

Cafe Society
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It’s been years since I have seen both versions, and I am betting that most will prefer the original. I certainly prefer the ending of the original, which follows the great plot twist in the novel (one of the greatest ever), and which was inexplicably changed in the 1981 version. BTW I saw the 81 version before I had read the novel or seen the 46 version. So I am watching about 10 minutes of each, alternating. The opening scenes, hands down, go to the 46 version, especially in the opening shots of the femme fatale Cora. In the 46 version, we get this beautiful shot of Lana Turner all in white, literally toe to head, in the 81 version a far away shot of Jessica Lange in the kitchen.

One thing I have noticed abouit the differences in movies made in the 40s /50s and later, the earlier movies get right to the point right away, in the 46 version, Frank, after about a one minute conversation with Cora, is kissing her. This happens in the first 10 minutes. In the 81 version it takes a while before that happens, and in that aspect,my preference is for the 81 version, there is more character development.

When it comes to the sex scenes, the 81 version much more true to the novel, in 46 they just could not film anything explicit, certainly not the almost savage attraction between Frank and Cora.

So that is the first 20 minutes and that is all I can watch tonight, have to go to sleep. And of course the 81 version is half an hour longer than the 46 version. In the 46 version, by now Frank and Cora have gone away together, in 86 we have a scene of Cora and her husband and another scene of Frank and Cora kissing, after which she goes back up the stairs to her husband, then looking down at Frank meaningfully. More character development or just drawing out the inevitable a little too long? Right now I don’t even know which version I prefer for that scene

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The “original” version of the story was made in 1939:

The best performances in this version imo are given by Michel Simon (typically whiny, shambling and insufferable) as the husband and the sweater worn by the leading lady.

It was followed by a second version in 1943:

This is probably the best movie version of the story; it’s exquisitely lit and doesn’t seem nearly as long or boring as most of Visconti’s films.

I particularly dislike the 1946 version. While it does have the iconic first meeting between Garfield and Turner (two actors I generally don’t care for), it is plagued by static camera work for much of its length. I’m guessing the intent was to “trap” the characters in their environment, but it instead traps the viewer into a dreary film. Cecil Kellaway is sorely miscast as the husband and it is impossible to believe Lana Turner would ever marry him. Unpardonable imo, Audrey Totter is completely wasted.

The 1981 version miscasts the leads as well, neither of whom evokes the 1940s, leaving John Colicos to steal the show, giving the best performance imo in any of the versions as the husband. I appreciate the dressing-down of a glamorous star like Jessica Lange, but it doesn’t exactly make for an entertaining time. Indeed, telling the story again seemed pointless.

IMDB lists 3 other versions – 1988 (a short), 1998, 2008 - none of which I’ve seen. Haven’t read the book, either. According to IMDB, “In the original novel, Cora is a sexy, dark skin Hispanic brunette. The screenwriters changed her role to a blonde for big star Lana Turner.” Ditto, Jessica Lange. I would have expected no less from Hollywood.