For my money Dick Powell was among the best Marlow’s superseded perhaps by only Bogart. So must disagree w/ previous review bY global that Mitchums Marlow was any better . Besides I couldn’t get around Amthor being played by a fat broad cast a Joy House Madame and Sly Stallone’s part must have been written in because he was under contract to the studio or someone’s boyfriend. But ‘nuff said on that .This was gold for all players and I can’t watch Anne Shirley w/o getting a flutter in my heart.Mike Muzorsky was perfect as Moose & DickPowell graduated from a hoofer/singer to a a hard boiled detective here Kudos to all

This is the best Phillip Marlow of all.

Dick Powell's image change at 40. The title had to be changed from 'Farewell, My Lovely', because movie-goers thought it was a song and dance flick. Powell had made dozens of 'em. But as a tough guy...it's a tough sell. The 1975 remake starring Robert Mitchum, under the original title, is way better. [and, is here on the internet archive!]