I’m a fan of Cornell Woolrich’s short stories. But I have some problems with Woolrich’s novels. Waltz Into Darkness, published in 1947, tells the story of a Doomed Man–Louis Durand–who falls in love with his mail-order bride, “Julia Russell.” Durand eventually discovers, the Hard Way, that “Julia” is a liar, thief, and femme fatale. She steals Durand’s money and skips town.
Durand, mad with rage, vows to track “Julia” down and bring her to Justice. But–(mild spoiler) Durand remains in love with his manipulative wife–despite “Julia’s” conniving and cheating. Cornell Woolrich wrote plenty of stories about characters in the grip of Obsession. This may be the ultimate expression of that trope in his oeuvre.
Waltz Into Darkness has been filmed twice. The first movie, renamed Mississippi Mermaid and released in 1968, was directed by Francois Truffaut. Mississippi Mermaid starred Jean-Paul Belmondo as Louis Durand and Catherine Deneuve as “Julia.” In 2001, the book was filmed again with the title Original Sin starring Antonio Banderas and Angelina Jolie.
Are you a Cornell Woolrich fan? GRADE: B
I’m well familiar with Woolrich but not sure if I have ever read him. If I did it was back in the 60’s. I am familiar with some movie versions based on his works. I am a big fan of Truffaut but have never cared much for Mississippi Mermaid, one of his weaker films (in my opinion).
Steve, most “experts” consider Cornell Woolrich a master of the short story. I’m surprised at the number of movies and TV episodes that are based on his works.
I don’t know if I’ve read this one, George. I enjoy Woolrich but can only take him in small doses. The book was originally published as by “William Irish.” I have the old Ace Double paperback with Malden Grange Bishop’s SCYLLA on the flip side. I’ll have to dig it out.
Jerry, I prefer Cornell Woolrich’s short stories to his novels, but WALTZ INTO DARKNESS is something different.
Woolrich seems to be one of those writers more talked and written about than read. I know I’ve seen both of the movies based on this novel but remember very little of either. When this new edition of the novel came out I started it but didn’t get far. But he did write the story that “Rear Window” is based on, so there’s that.
Michael, here is a short list of the movies based on Cornell Woolrich works:
The Bride Wore Black
The Chase (1946 film)
Cloak & Dagger (1984 film)
Deadline at Dawn
Don’t Ever Open That Door
Escapade (1957 film)
Fall Guy (1947 film)
Fear in the Night (1947 film)
I Wouldn’t Be in Your Shoes
I’m Dangerous Tonight
The Leopard Man
The Mark of the Whistler
Martha (1974 film)
Mississippi Mermaid
Mrs. Winterbourne
Night Has a Thousand Eyes
Nightmare (1956 film)
No Man of Her Own
Obsession (1954 film)
Original Sin (2001 film)
PThe Earring
Phantom Lady (film)
Rear Window
Rear Window (1998 film)
Street of Chance (1942 film)
Union City (film)
The Window (1949 film)
Yes—I used to read a lot of his work back in the day. His stories usually features cynical characters, mistaken (or adopted) identities, and twist endings. I enjoyed them when I read them, but I can hardly remember much about them now.
Deb, like Jerry I prefer Cornell Woolrich in small doses. You’re right about Woolrich’s characters–they’re always troubled–and the situations they find themselves in are usually bizarre. My favorite title of a Woolrich movie is I’M DANGEROUS TONIGHT.
I’ve read several dozen of his short stories, all I could get my hands on. They are often over the top crazy, but fun to read (in the smaller doses of story length). I’ve seen a number of the movies based on his books too – not only REAR WINDOW but THE LEOPARD MAN, PHANTOM LADY, DEADLINE AT DAWN, BLACK ANGEL, NIGHT HAS A THOUSAND EYES, THE WINDOW, and NIGHTMARE, probably among others.
Jeff, despite his talent and success, Cornell Woolrich died in dismal circumstances.
I read a little Woolrich in High School, then had the enormous pleasure of being formally introduced to his work by Francis M Nevins’ ground-breaking NIGHTWEBS.
Dan, I have a copy of NIGHTWEBS around here somewhere. You’re right about Nevins’ ground-breaking book! It caused quite a stir when it was published.
After NIGHTWEBS, Mike Nevins edited other Woolrich collections – NIGHT & FEAR, LOVE AND NIGHT: UNKNOWN STORIES and TONIGHT, SOMEWHERE IN NEW YORK, as well as writing a Woolrich biography, FIRST YOU DREAM, THEN YOU DIE.
Jeff, I own a few of Nevins’ Woolrich collections, but not all of them. I’ll have to rectify that!
This has been sitting on my shelf for 30 years. The only one I can remember reading is PHANTOM LADY although I think there are others. I have seen a lot of the movies though.
Patti, like you I have a number of Cornell Woolrich books that have been sitting on my shelves for decades. I’m trying to read books that have been waiting patiently for years for me to read them.
If I read Woolrich, I don’t remember, but I have seen several movies: Rear Window, Mrs. Winterbourne & Original Sin are the ones I remember.
Thanks for the list, I’ll ck out what my library has
Maggie, as you might suspect, the movies based on Woolrich stories vary in quality. You might want to check ROTTEN TOMATOES before you make your selections.
my library had 4, but having seen 2 I was able to put a hold on The chase & black angel
Maggie, the other Woolrich movies might be available on AMAZON PRIME Video or Netflix.
No, never liked his work much. Have seen POSTMAN, of course.
Rick, the worlds Cornell Woolrich writes about are dark. His middle name should have been “noir.”
Isn’t that by James Cain?
Yes, I always get that one mixed up. Darn.
Like some of the other people who commented, I have several Woolrich books in my collection, but I’m not sure if I have read even one. Every once in awhile I see a couple and put them aside into a to be read stack, but something newer or a library book stops me from getting to them.
Kent, that sounds like the story of my Life! I start out with good intentions on whittling down my Real Real Soon stack of books but then I’m distracted by something new and different!
George – I loved Woolrich for a long time and collected some nice editions of his work. Phantom Lady may be his best novel and it is like a movie runaway train – speeding around s erg corner until the end when you go What the heck was that? The explanation makes you shake your head but while you were running wide open, it worked! He was best at the short story. I remember reading The Number’s Up and just gasping again the end. Great writer. Tragic life!
Scott, I totally agree with you on assessment of Cornell Woolrich: great writer, tragic life! I may have to reread PHANTOM LADY for a future FFB.
Seems an interesting book, George. Wasn’t too impressed with Phantom Lady so never read him again but now I want to start once again.