84
Metascore
10 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineThe best version of James M. Cain's torrid, hard-hitting romance comes to startling life under Garnett's shrewd direction.
- 100Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasThis 1946 version became a key film in postwar Hollywood film noir. Directed by Tay Garnett, it remains one of Lana Turner's (right) very best films. [02 Feb 1997, p.78]
- 100The Observer (UK)The Observer (UK)More film gris than film noir, it offers a biting moral conundrum at every turn. [17 Oct 2010, p.4]
- 91Portland OregonianTed MaharPortland OregonianTed MaharGarfield is customarily strong and energetic as a desperate guy on the edge. Famous for her work in tight sweaters and halters, Turner was no thespian. But the combination of Garfield and Garnett, or something, fired a performance from her that is, in its way, perfect. [05 Mar 1999]
- 89Austin ChronicleAustin ChronicleWith a plot hinging on twists and turns that might not have worked as well with less electricity than Turner and Garfield generate, Postman sizzles and flares with crackling tension.
- 80The New York TimesBosley CrowtherThe New York TimesBosley CrowtherThe picture achieves its distinction through the smart way in which it has been made and through the quality of its representation of two passion-torn characters.
- 80Chicago ReaderDave KehrChicago ReaderDave KehrThis 1946 film is a key work of the postwar period, dripping with demented romanticism and the venom of disillusionment. Tay Garnett directed, finding the pull of obsession in every tracking shot.
- 70The New YorkerPauline KaelThe New YorkerPauline KaelEntertaining, though overlong. The director, Tay Garnett, knew almost enough tricks to sustain this glossily bowdlerized version of the James M. Cain novel, and he used Lana Turner maybe better than any other director did.
- 50LarsenOnFilmJosh LarsenLarsenOnFilmJosh LarsenThis has little of the insinuating nature of the best film noir, as Lana Turner and John Garfield go from 0 to 60 in their first scene together.