Fri 24 Jan 2014
STELLA ALLAN – An Inside Job. Avon, US, paperback, 1980. First published in the UK by Collins, hardcover, 1978; Charles Scribner’s Sons, US, hardcover, 1978.
Most of the mainstream critics who commented on the recent movie Body Heat compared it, not illogically, to the works of James M, Cain. Those of us in the know (as we’re prone to say) will also say that here was the closest adaptation of an old Gold Medal paperback novel that’s ever been made.
Consider the theme: an unwary male victim is caught up in the temptations of a beautiful woman’s lush afterglow, sinking him deeper and deeper into a never-ending web of crime and deceit. Raiders of the Lost Ark notwithstanding, Body Heat certainly got my vote for the movie of the year. It simply sizzled.
But back to the tale at hand. This nifty little novel of murder and retribution neatly reverses the theme of all those sultry paperback novels of the 50’s. This time around a feminist it is, rising to the top of the business world, who finds herself putty in the hands of her best friend’s husband.
Times have changed, and the roles have been reversed. The ensuing death of Sheila Pettit’s employer and long-time mentor causes her no feeling of sorrow or regret. And this could be the greatest problem you will find with this book. None of the people involved could be described as even half-way appealing. The futures they cut out for themselves no one could possibly conclude are other than what they most richly deserve.
Rating: B minus
January 25th, 2014 at 1:01 am
I don’t remember reading this book, but obviously I must have, even though the comments I made about it don’t bring back any memories of it.
But I do remember the movie BODY HEAT. It did indeed “sizzle.” At least I’m sure it did. For some unaccountable reason, I’ve seen the movie only once, and that was in a movie theater when it first came out.
Maybe I’m afraid it won’t live up to my memories of it.
January 25th, 2014 at 10:06 am
I also saw BODY HEAT in the theater and thought it was outstanding as a neo-noir. I’ve since viewed it a couple times and it held up well to a second and third viewing. In fact, just talking about it makes me want to see it again.
Steve, I bet you would like it and I recommend watching it again.
January 25th, 2014 at 11:05 pm
Steve,
Definitely worth seeing again. Watched it years ago, then had to watch it a second time to figure out what happened (not too quick on the uptake). Watched it a couple of months ago, and thought it held up well. Funniest thing is watching William Hurt go jogging and when he stops, pull out a pack of cigarettes and start smoking. Times sure have changed.
Also, just finished the second Terry Shames’ book “The Last Death of Jack Harbin” which was just as good as the first, “A Killing At Cotton Hill”, that you reviewed back in May. An enjoyable read with great characters.
David
January 25th, 2014 at 11:45 pm
BODY HEAT is still as good as ever, and surprisingly as sexy. Hurt is still the biggest sucker in the history of noir, and Turner the most fatale femme since Jane Greer in OUT OF THE PAST. It’s one of the few neo noir’s as good as the originals.
I try to watch it every few years if possible, just to enjoy how well it holds up.