Mickey Spillane on Screen : A Complete Study of the Television and Film Adaptations

In the mid-20th century, Mickey Spillane was the sensation of not just mystery fiction but publishing itself. The level of sex and violence in his Mike Hammer thrillers (starting with 'I, The Jury' in 1947) broke down long-held taboos and engendered a near hysterical critical backlash. Nonetheless, Spillane's influence has been felt reflections of Hammer are visible in nearly every subsequent tough guy of fiction and film, including James Bond, Dirty Harry, Shaft, Billy Jack, and Jack Bauer. Spillane's fiction came to the screen in a series of films that include 'Kiss Me Deadly' (1955) and 'The Girl Hunters' (1963) with the author himself playing his private eye. These films, and television series starring Darren McGavin and Stacy Keach respectively, are examined in a lively, knowledgeable fashion by Spillane experts. Included are cast and crew listings, brief biographical entries on key persons, and a lengthy interview with Spillane Cover......Page 1 Table of Contents......Page 8 Acknowledgments......Page 10 Introduction......Page 14 Prologue......Page 18 1. “I, the Jury” (1953)......Page 30 2. “The Long Wait” (1954)......Page 40 3. “Ring of Fear” (1954)......Page 49 4. “Kiss Me Deadly” (1955)......Page 56 5. “My Gun Is Quick” (1957)......Page 75 6. “The Girl Hunters” (1963)......Page 85 7. “The Delta Factor” (1970)......Page 96 8. “I, the Jury” (1982)......Page 101 9. Mike Hammer TV Pilot (1954)......Page 108 10. “Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer” (1958–59)......Page 113 11. “Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer In ‘Margin for Murder’” (1981)......Page 130 12. “Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer: 'Murder Me, Murder You'" (1983)......Page 134 13. “Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer: 'More Than Murder'" (1984)......Page 141 14. “Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer” (1984–85) CBS-TV......Page 144 15. “Return of Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer” (1986)......Page 152 16. “The New Mike Hammer” (1986–87) CBS-TV......Page 156 17. “Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer: 'Murder Takes All'" (1989)......Page 165 18. “'Come Die with Me’: A Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer" Mystery (1994)......Page 168 19: “Tomorrow I Die” (“Fallen Angels,” 1995)......Page 175 20. “Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer, Private Eye” (1997–98)......Page 179 A. The Hammer (Film) Code......Page 188 B. “‘The Girl Hunt’ Ballet” (“The Band Wagon,” 1953)......Page 189 C. Who’s Who of Spillane on Film......Page 192 D. Stars of the Hammer Film Universe......Page 199 E. Mickey Spillane in His Own Words......Page 200 Bibliography......Page 216 Index......Page 218 In The Mid-20th Century, Mickey Spillane Was The Sensation Of Not Just Mystery Fiction But Publishing Itself. Spillane's Fiction Came To The Screen In A Series Of Films. These Films, And Television Series Are Examined By Spillane Experts. Included Are Cast And Crew Listings, Brief Biographical Entries On Key Persons, And A Lengthy Interview With Spillane--provided By Publisher. Introduction -- Spillane At The Movies -- Mickey Spillane On Tv. Max Allan Collins And James L. Traylor. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.