It’s a strange thing to suggest, perhaps, but wouldn't things be simpler if honesty were practiced from time to time? John Brahm directed The Brasher Doubloon, with the screenplay by Dorothy Hannah and Leonard Praskins. It features George Montgomery, Nancy Guild, Conrad Janis, Roy Roberts, Fritz Kortner, and Florence Bates. David Buttolph and Alfred Newman composed the music, and Lloyd Ahern was in charge of cinematography. The film is based on Raymond Chandler’s novel "The High Window," presenting Montgomery as Private Investigator Philip Marlowe. Marlowe takes on a case to locate a missing gold coin called The Brasher Doubloon, only to become entangled in a blackmail and murder situation that endangers him. While not the most memorable of the Marlowe film adaptations, it's still worth watching. The story from the book has been shortened and made easier to follow, yet it retains the distinctive dialogue that fans appreciate about Marlowe, and the characters are wonderfully dark and brooding. The overall atmosphere is quite fitting, with Brahm and Ahern making the central mansion seem foreboding through their camera work. Their skills blend well together; one adjusting the angles while the other uses shadows to enhance the important moments of the story. It’s also a plus to see some Los Angeles locations used in filming, and the sound design is subtle but effective, with wind sounds present throughout. Montgomery does an acceptable job if you're willing to accept his more relaxed interpretation of Marlowe, managing to be charming and witty enough to deliver the memorable lines. Guild is pleasant and does what’s needed to reveal her character’s inner turmoil. Bates portrays a grand old lady with a hint of suspicion, while Kortner truly shines as one of the sinister villains. It's a respectable addition to the film noir collection, perhaps more visually impressive than its plot elements, but still entertaining nonetheless. It receives a rating of 6.5/10. Note: "The High Window" was previously adapted into "Time to Kill" (1942), starring Lloyd Nolan and Heather Angel.

Source on TMDB