Time to Kill (1942 film)


Time to Kill is an American mystery film directed by Herbert I. Leeds. It is
the first screen adaptation of Raymond Chandler's novel The High Window, which was remade five years later as The Brasher Doubloon. The detective was changed from Philip Marlowe to Michael Shayne for this version, with Lloyd Nolan playing the part and Heather Angel in a rare turn as leading lady.

Cast

In order of billing:

Rights

bought Raymond Chandler's novel The High Window for $3,500. RKO Pictures purchased the rights to Chandler's 1940 novel Farewell, My Lovely and made 1944's Murder, My Sweet which would have the character of Philip Marlowe.

Score

was uncredited for his work on Time to Kill although the book Film Composers in America : A Filmography, 1911-1970 credits him. Emil Newman is credited with the film score of Superior "Michael Shayne" thrillers: Murders surround theft of valuable coin.

Screenplay

Time to Kill was written by Clarence Upson Young, based on Raymond Chandler's novel The High Window. Brett Halliday wrote a series of books with Michael Shayne as the lead character where as Chandler's was Philip Marlowe. 20th Century Fox was looking for detective film series after the success of Charlie Chan and Mr. Moto film series in 1940.

Cinematography

Time to Kills cinematographer was Charles Clarke.

Reception

Critical response

In 1978's The Detective in Hollywood by Jon Tuska claimed it "is in every way superior to the later remake, The Brasher Doubloon".

Citations