Toby Stephens stars in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Raymond Chandler's second Philip Marlowe mystery.
Fast-talking, trouble-seeking private eye Philip Marlowe is a different kind of detective: a moral man in an amoral world. California in the '40s and '50s is as beautiful as a ripe fruit and rotten to the core, and Marlowe must struggle to retain his integrity amidst the corruption he encounters daily.
In Farewell My Lovely, Marlowe has a chance encounter with a not-so-gentle giant outside Florian's nightclub. Just released from prison, Moose Malloy is looking for his old flame, red-haired Velma Valento, who he last saw eight years ago.
Before Marlowe can blink, Malloy has smashed up the club, broken the manager's neck and headed out of the door. Marlowe knows this mess is none of his business, but he has a hunch that he can find Velma. He just has to hope that curiosity doesn't get him killed as well...
Starring Toby Stephens, this fast-paced dramatisation is full of wisecracks and colourful characters, and retains all the charm and humour of Chandler's stylish, suspenseful novel.