Yojimbo. Poster of the 1961 movie and cover of the 1929 book, Red Harvest
VS3
Red Harvest
Dashiell Hammett, 1929
movie vs book
Akira Kurosawa, 1961

The story unfolds with a ronin, played by Toshiro Mifune, arriving in a small town where rival crime lords are locked in a struggle for dominance. Both leaders attempt to enlist the services of the skilled newcomer as their bodyguard (yojimbo in Japanese).


Yojimbo. Poster of the 1961 movie and cover of the 1931 book, The Glass Key
VS3
The Glass Key
Dashiell Hammett, 1931
movie vs book
Akira Kurosawa, 1961

The story unfolds with a ronin, played by Toshiro Mifune, arriving in a small town where rival crime lords are locked in a struggle for dominance. Both leaders attempt to enlist the services of the skilled newcomer as their bodyguard (yojimbo in Japanese).


The Maltese Falcon. Poster of the 1941 movie and cover of the 1929 book
VS3
The Maltese Falcon
Dashiell Hammett, 1929
movie vs book
John Huston, 1941

In San Francisco in 1941, private investigators Sam Spade and Miles Archer meet prospective client Ruth Wonderly. He meets his friend, Police Detective Tom Polhaus, at the murder scene and then tries calling his client at her hotel, but she has checked out. Back at his apartment, he is grilled by Polhaus and Lieutenant Dundy, who tell him that Thursby was also murdered the same evening.


The Thin Man. Poster of the 1934 movie and cover of the 1934 book
VS3
The Thin Man
Dashiell Hammett, 1934
movie vs book
W.S. Van Dyke, 1934

Following a four-year absence, former detective Nick Charles returns to New York with his new wife Nora and their dog, Asta. Nick reconnects with his eccentric old acquaintances, some of whom are quite peculiar. Dorothy Wynant approaches Nick, seeking help as her inventor father, Clyde Wynant, is suspected of murdering her stepmother. Clyde had embarked on a planned trip months earlier, and Dorothy has had no communication with him since.


A Fistful of Dollars. Poster of the 1964 movie and cover of the 1929 book, Red Harvest
VS3
Red Harvest
Dashiell Hammett, 1929
movie vs book
Sergio Leone, 1964

A mysterious newcomer arrives in the Mexican border town of San Miguel, a place torn apart by rival factions vying for control. On one side are those allied with Sheriff John Baxter, engaging in the sale of whiskey and firearms to the indigenous people. On the other side is the faction led by Ramon Rojo. Upon entering the town, the Man With No Name is subjected to taunts from the Baxters, who even go so far as to shoot at his mule’s feet.


A Fistful of Dollars. Poster of the 1964 movie and cover of the 1931 book, The Glass Key
VS3
The Glass Key
Dashiell Hammett, 1931
movie vs book
Sergio Leone, 1964

A mysterious newcomer arrives in the Mexican border town of San Miguel, a place torn apart by rival factions vying for control. On one side are those allied with Sheriff John Baxter, engaging in the sale of whiskey and firearms to the indigenous people. On the other side is the faction led by Ramon Rojo. Upon entering the town, the Man With No Name is subjected to taunts from the Baxters, who even go so far as to shoot at his mule’s feet.


Miller's Crossing. Poster of the 1990 movie and cover of the 1931 book, The Glass Key
VS3
The Glass Key
Dashiell Hammett, 1931
movie vs book
Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, 1990

Tom Reagan is the right-hand man for Leo O’Bannon, an Irish mobster and political boss who runs a U.S. city during Prohibition. Tom tries everything he can to convince Leo to give Bernie up to Caspar to prevent a war; he attempts to convince Leo that Verna is playing him to protect her brother but Leo will not be swayed.


Miller's Crossing. Poster of the 1990 movie and cover of the 1929 book, Red Harvest
VS3
Red Harvest
Dashiell Hammett, 1929
movie vs book
Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, 1990

Tom Reagan is the right-hand man for Leo O’Bannon, an Irish mobster and political boss who runs a U.S. city during Prohibition. Tom tries everything he can to convince Leo to give Bernie up to Caspar to prevent a war; he attempts to convince Leo that Verna is playing him to protect her brother but Leo will not be swayed.


After the Thin Man. Poster of the 1936 movie and cover of the 1934 book, The Thin Man
VS3
The Thin Man
Dashiell Hammett, 1934
movie vs book
W.S. Van Dyke, 1936

On New Year’s Eve, Nick and Nora Charles find themselves back on the West Coast, and the unfaithful husband of Nora’s cousin has mysteriously disappeared. Gather together the unconventional individuals who might be involved in this case.


Another Thin Man. Poster of the 1939 movie and cover of the 1934 book, The Thin Man
VS3
The Thin Man
Dashiell Hammett, 1934
movie vs book
W.S. Van Dyke, 1939

A young man is believed to harbor intentions of murdering an explosives manufacturer. In an effort to address the situation, the manufacturer enlists the assistance of newly appointed parents, Nick and Nora.


The Thin Man Goes Home. Poster of the 1944 movie and cover of the 1934 book, The Thin Man
VS3
The Thin Man
Dashiell Hammett, 1934
movie vs book
Richard Thorpe, 1944

Outlaws have been a transient presence in the lives of Nick and Nora, and now it’s time to encounter the in-laws. Entrusting little Nicky Jr. to boarding school, the sophisticated sleuths, accompanied by their loyal companion Asta, journey to Nick’s hometown of Sycamore Springs. Naturally, wherever they venture, murder has a tendency to unexpectedly emerge at their doorstep.


Shadow of the Thin Man. Poster of the 1941 movie and cover of the 1934 book, The Thin Man
VS3
The Thin Man
Dashiell Hammett, 1934
movie vs book
W.S. Van Dyke, 1941

At the race track, a jockey meets a tragic end by gunshot. Coincidentally present at the scene, renowned detective Nick Charles and his wife Nora attract the attention of Lt. Abrahams, who seeks Nick’s expertise to unravel the mystery.