Radio Times: Review by:; David Crawford

This is one of Chandler’s bleakest stories, with Marlowe never more world-weary and cynical as he trawls around the dark fringes of Hollywood looking for the missing brother of a prim young woman from Kansas, Orfamay Quest, who is offering minimal remuneration for his efforts. The plotting is labyrinthine but writer Stephen Wyatt has tidied it up nicely to produce a coherent tale of vice, moral duplicity and deception.

He is, of course, well served by Chandler’s scorching prose, which is tailor-made to be read aloud, while Toby Stephens continues to excel at conveying Marlowe’s effortless drawl. Kelly Burke also shines as the prissy Orfamay, whose squeaky-clean appearance naturally belies darker inner workings. The score works well, too, with the stalking jazz adding a suitable veneer of dread and menace.

About this programme

By Raymond Chandler, dramatised by Stephen Wyatt. Private eye Philip Marlowe is drawn into the world of Hollywood film studios during an investigation into the disappearance of a client's older brother.