Marlowe (1969)
James Garner brings Raymond Chandler's iconic detective to life in this stylish 1969 crime thriller set in the shadows of Los Angeles.
Marlowe - Movie Information
- Original Title: Marlowe
- Release Year: 1969
- Directed by: Paul Bogart
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Mystery, Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 19, 1969 (Germany - 18), September 19, 1969 (United States - PG)
- Alternative Titles: Detektiv Marlowe gegen den kleinen Drachen (DE), The little Sister (US), Detetive Marlowe em Ação (BR), L'investigatore Marlowe (IT)
- Production Companies: Cherokee Productions, Katzka-Berne Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United States of America
Marlowe - Plot
Mysterious Orfamay Quest hires Los Angeles private investigator Philip Marlowe to find her missing brother. Though the job seems simple enough, it leads Marlowe into the underbelly of the city, turning up leads who are murdered with ice picks, exotic dancers, blackmailed television stars and self-preserving gangsters. Soon, Marlowe's life is on the line right along with his case.
Marlowe - Trailer
See the classic detective thriller in action with the official trailer below.
Marlowe is the Best Private Eye in the Business. Just Ask the People He Does Business With
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Marlowe - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paul Bogart
Main Cast
- James Garner
- Gayle Hunnicutt
- Carroll O'Connor
- Rita Moreno
- Sharon Farrell
- William Daniels
- H.M. Wynant
- Jackie Coogan
- Christopher Cary
- Bruce Lee
Writers
- Stirling Silliphant
- Raymond Chandler
Producers
- Gabriel Katzka
- Sidney Beckerman
Marlowe - FAQs
What is Bruce Lee's role in Marlowe?
Bruce Lee plays Winslow Wong, a martial arts enforcer hired to intimidate Philip Marlowe. His scenes are among the film's most memorable — he delivers an electrifying display of physical prowess, including a spectacular karate demolition of Marlowe's office, showcasing his charisma well before his superstardom.
Who plays Philip Marlowe in the 1969 film?
James Garner steps into the iconic role of Philip Marlowe, bringing his trademark easy charm and dry wit to Raymond Chandler's legendary detective. Garner's relaxed yet sharp portrayal gives the character a distinctly 1960s California feel while staying true to Marlowe's street-smart, unflappable spirit.
Is Marlowe (1969) based on a book?
Yes, Marlowe is adapted from Raymond Chandler's 1949 novel The Little Sister. Screenwriter Stirling Silliphant transposed the story to a contemporary late-1960s Los Angeles setting, updating the atmosphere while preserving Chandler's signature blend of hard-boiled detective work, moral ambiguity, and city-wide corruption.
What is Marlowe (1969) about?
A young woman named Orfamay Quest hires private eye Philip Marlowe to track down her missing brother in Los Angeles. What starts as a routine case quickly spirals into a dangerous tangle of ice-pick murders, blackmail schemes, a glamorous TV star, and ruthless gangsters — all threatening Marlowe's life.
Where can you watch Marlowe (1969)?
You can watch Marlowe on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. The film is available to rent or buy on all of these platforms, making it easy to catch James Garner's take on the classic Raymond Chandler detective.
Who directed Marlowe (1969)?
Paul Bogart directed Marlowe. Though primarily known for his extensive television work — including acclaimed episodes of All in the Family — Bogart brought a confident, stylish hand to this big-screen adaptation, balancing the film's noir atmosphere with the looser, more colorful energy of late-1960s Hollywood.
What is the age rating for Marlowe (1969)?
Marlowe carries a PG rating in the United States. While the film features violence, crime, and some suggestive content typical of late-1960s Hollywood thrillers, it remains relatively restrained by modern standards, making it accessible to older teens and adults who enjoy classic detective stories.
How long is the 1969 Marlowe film?
Marlowe runs for 95 minutes — a tight, well-paced runtime that keeps the mystery moving without overstaying its welcome. It's a lean, engaging crime thriller that delivers its twists, memorable characters, and that unforgettable Bruce Lee sequence within a brisk hour and thirty-five minutes.
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