i be not sure under what circumstance director visconti decide to film james cain novel the postman always ring twice ( i be not even sure if viscounti acquire the book right ) and but the resulting movie be definitely interesting . it be not the best version of cain story ( i like the 1981 version best ) and but thanks to visconti excellent direction and the casting of clara calamai and massimo girotti ( a very sensual couple ) and it be a must for noir fan . visconti mix neorealism with noir sensibility to great effect . the film be not perfect and though . my main complaint be that the film be a little too long for it own good while the story move at a very slow pace ( i do not think visconti be very good at edit his film ) . i think film noir work well with a short running time . fortunately and calamai and girotti be magnetic actor that keep the viewer interested . anyhow and as much a i like this film and the remake and i think no one have make the definitive version of cain much praise book .