- Born
- Died
- Birth nameJames Mallahan Cain
- James M. Cain was a 'Film Noir' author. His father was a professor, and president, of 'Washington College'. His mother was an opera singer in Maryland.
James graduated from the same college in 1910, and became a writer for 'Baltimore American', then 'Baltimore Sun' [still being published] by 1914. He was drafted in 1916, and spent 1918 in France as a writer for the 'Army Times'. When released, he did writing for various publications, and by 1934, his first novel,"The Postman Always Rings Twice", was published. Of Course, a very popular movie in 1946.
With adaptations of his novels[credit only as 'story contributor'],he was much in demand in the 40's in the 'Film Noir' category. But, in 1946, he formed a 'Cain Plan' ["American Authors' Authority"]whereby The writers would have authority of copyrights, and be the representative for them in negotiations with the movie producers and court disputes. Resembling 'S.A.G.', it was opposed by an org. called, "The American Writers' Assoc.". There was a debate carried on in the 'Saturday Review'.
He was married 4 times.
- IMDb mini biography by: ken honeyman
- SpousesFlorence Macbeth(September 19, 1947 - May 5, 1966) (her death)Aileen Pringle(August 12, 1944 - September 4, 1946) (divorced)Elina Sjostedt Tyszecka(July 2, 1927 - June 3, 1943) (divorced)Mary Rebekah Clough(January 17, 1920 - June 1927) (divorced)
- Biography/bibliography in: "Contemporary Authors". New Revision Series, volume 61, pg. 125-130. Detroit, MI: Gale Research, 1998.
- Love with Joan Crawford might be a strenuous business, perhaps a little difficult at times. But well worth the run.
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