Cain, James M.

Three of a Kind. New York: Knopf, 1943. 



8vo (195 x 135 mm). Publisher's burnt orange cloth, gilt spine title and device in E. McKnight Kauffer illustrated dust-jacket; pastedowns browned, jacket spine creased with minor loss at ends and to flap folds, front flap defective with major loss.

The Hollywood association of two masters of detective fiction

Cain thanks Chandler for the script for Double Indemnity

In the collection containing the novella, Cain inscribes the front endpaper: "To / Raymond Chandler, / In appreciation of / the fine script of Double Indemnity / James M Cain / Los Angeles Calif / Feb. 7, 1944"

Chandler's work on Billy Wilder's adaptation of the Cain novella has become Hollywood lore. A contentious collaboration, the experience soured Chandler on the film (but not necesarily the money it offered), and while it drove him back to drinking, the film received Oscar nominations and made the shy creator of Philip Marlowe a sought-after screen writer. Screenplays for Strangers on a Train for Hitchcock and The Blue Dahlia were to follow.