The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)

Overview
"The Postman Always Rings Twice" is a gripping 1946 noir movie directed by Tay Garnett, based upon the unique composed by James M. Cain in 1934. The movie stars Lana Turner as Cora Smith, John Garfield as Frank Chambers and Cecil Kellaway as Nick Smith.

Plot
Frank Chambers, a drifter, lands a task at a roadside diner handled by a middle-aged male Nick Smith and his strikingly stunning younger spouse, Cora. As Frank starts working, he becomes captivated with Cora, who seems similarly brought in to him. Catching their illicit enthusiasm, they embark on an affair and soon begin to prepare Nick's murder to declare his insurance money and the restaurant.

Failed Murder Attempt and Change of Heart
Their very first effort to eliminate Nick, by causing him to inadvertently drown in a bath tub, stops working. Cora, fearing the suspicion around them, decides to end their affair and reconciles with her partner. Frank leaves town but is drawn back when Cora sends him a message. Nick now has a strategy to offer the diner and move them to Canada. Afraid of leaving her present steady life, Cora convinces Frank to murder Nick.

Successful Murder and Court Trial
They successfully phase Nick's death as a cars and truck accident. However due to a suspicious insurance detective, they deal with a trial for murder. Cora is represented by a crafty legal representative who manipulates the system to create a plea bargain. She pleads guilty to murder, avoiding a death sentence, while Frank is remarkably set free.

Post-trial Manipulations and Tragic Endings
Life after the trial is strained for Cora and Frank. Frank initiates an affair with a girl named Madge, while Cora discovers the backhanded deal made by her attorney and Frank to get him acquitted. She ends her affair with Frank and chooses to start anew. They plan a 2nd honeymoon to fix their relationship, however en route, Cora passes away in an automobile accident driven by Frank. He is incorrectly implicated and founded guilty of her murder, with the evidence from Nick's murder case used versus him.

Themes and Motifs
The undercurrents of criminal activity, deceit, and desire drive the narrative of "The Postman Always Rings Twice". The title indicates the inevitability of repercussion; echoing the old stating, "The Mills of God grind slowly, but they grind exceptionally small". "Postman" signifies fate that usually and consistently delivers justice. It highlights that escape from the consequences of criminal offense is impossible, as the haunting mistakes in life - just like the twice-ringing postman - will persistently return.

Conclusion
"The Postman Always Rings Twice" is a traditional movie noir that masterfully checks out themes of illicit enthusiasm and taking place criminal activity through its compelling characters and their dark motivations. Its representation of morality's ultimate victory over disobedience, embodied in the metaphorical postman consistently delivering fate's justice, makes it a classic cinematic masterpiece.

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