The Postman Always Rings Twice (35mm)

Adapted from James M. Cain’s controversial 1934 novel, The Postman Always Rings Twice helped establish the template for countless stories of illicit passion and murder. Directed by Tay Garnett and starring Lana Turner and John Garfield, it remains one of the most influential and frequently revisited noir films ever made.

Nick Smith (Cecil Kellaway), a middle-aged roadside diner owner, hires a drifter, Frank Chambers (John Garfield), to work at his restaurant. Frank quickly begins an affair with Nick’s beautiful young wife, Cora (Lana Turner), and the two conspire to kill Nick and seize his assets. When they succeed, local prosecutor Kyle Sackett (Leon Ames) becomes suspicious, but is unable to build a solid case. However, the couple soon realizes that no misdeed ever goes truly unpunished.