August 17, 2008
I recently read (and very much enjoyed) The Night Men by Keith Snyder, which for some reason renewed my interest in Raymond Chandler. In a Chronology in the back of a Library of America omnibus edition of Chandler, I found the following:
1945: Begins writing original screenplay The Blue Dahlia for Paramount, which wants to make a film starring Alan Ladd before Ladd enters military service. Shooting begins before screenplay is finished; when Chandler falls seriously behind schedule, he proposed to producer John Houseman that he finish the script while drunk. Houseman agrees, and Chandler completes the screenplay in eight days, dictating to secretaries provided by the studio while receiving regular glucose injections from his doctor. [...] Chandler receives Academy Award nomination and Edgar award from Mystery Writers of America for his screenplay.
August 18th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Not following up the primary reference (”The Night Men”), the second part about writing, twings my continued interest in both the myths and factors of creativity vs drugs, pain and other psychology issues.
Bottom line, creation is seldom a pretty thing to see in action.
August 18th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
… As anyone who’s been present at a birth can attest!
August 19th, 2008 at 12:20 am
Cool, Keith is a friend of mine. I’m reading that book right now. I sent him this link.
August 19th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I was going to say I had a hazy memory that the John Mahoney character in BARTON FINK was based on Raymond Chandler, but the fog cleared somewhat, and I’m pretty sure it was actually William Faulkner.
Thanks for the kind words about THE NIGHT MEN. For some reason people are talking about my old books this month…
August 20th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Hi rlp! Hi Keith!
I think I figured out the connection between Keith’s novels and Chandler’s: I’m a total sucker for a deadpan wisecrack.