this slick and gritty film consistently deliver . it one of frankenheimer best and most underrated film and it easily the best elmore leonard adaptation to date ( and if you be scratch your head think but i love get shorty you need to be punch in the face ) . in my opinion and no one capture the feel for leonard character well then john glover in 52 pick up . the relocation of the story from detroit ( novel ) to hollywood ( film ) elevate the story sleaze factor to amazing height . be a man and have a few beer and watch this movie . for reference purpose my favorite leonard book be represent swag and rum punch and cat chaser and city primeval and and 52 pick up . my favorite frankenheimer film include second and the manchurian candidate . i also have a real special place in my cold and movie heart for dead bang and black sunday .