“They Call It Murder” is a mystery novel by Walter Grauman, first published in 1956. The story takes place in the fictional city of Madison City, located in southern California. The main character is Doug Selby, D.A., who is trying to solve a murder case involving a wealthy businessman. The book is known for its intricate plot, well-drawn characters, and suspenseful atmosphere.
Book Summary
In “They Call It Murder,” Doug Selby, D.A., is investigating the murder of a wealthy businessman, Alvin Hotschkiss. The suspects include Hotschkiss’ wife, his business partner, and his secretary. Selby has to navigate through a web of lies and deceit to solve the case. Along the way, he receives help from his friend, A.B. Carr, a newspaper editor, and a young woman named Sylvia Martin.
The book is a classic mystery novel, with plenty of twists and turns. The plot is well-constructed, and the characters are fully-realized. Doug Selby is a particularly interesting character, with his mix of intelligence, determination, and vulnerability. The book is also notable for its realistic portrayal of the legal system.
Movie Summary
“They Call It Murder” was adapted into a movie in 1971. The movie starred Jim Hutton as Doug Selby and Lloyd Bochner as A.B. Carr. The movie follows the same basic plot as the book, with a few changes. For example, the names of some characters were changed, and the setting was moved from southern California to northern California. The movie also featured a romantic subplot between Selby and Sylvia Martin.
The movie version of “They Call It Murder” is a faithful adaptation of the book. It captures the atmosphere and tone of the original, and the performances are solid. However, some fans of the book may be disappointed by the changes made in the movie.
Comparison between the Book and Movie Versions of “They Call It Murder”
The book and movie versions of “They Call It Murder” have many similarities and differences. One of the main differences is the setting. The book takes place in southern California, while the movie takes place in northern California. The movie also includes a romantic subplot that is not present in the book.
However, both versions share the same basic plot and characters. The movie does a good job of capturing the atmosphere and tone of the book. The performances in the movie are also strong, with Jim Hutton and Lloyd Bochner delivering excellent performances as Doug Selby and A.B. Carr, respectively.
Setting and Timeline – When and Where Does “They Call It Murder” Take Place?
“They Call It Murder” takes place in the fictional city of Madison City, located in southern California. The book was first published in 1956, and the movie was released in 1971. The time period of the story is not explicitly stated, but it is assumed to be the 1950s.
The setting of the story is important because it influences the characters and events. Madison City is portrayed as a corrupt and dangerous place, where wealthy businessmen control the government and the police. The time period is also significant because it reflects the cultural and social norms of the era.
Characters in “They Call It Murder” – Who’s Who?
“They Call It Murder” has a cast of well-drawn and interesting characters. The main character is Doug Selby, D.A., who is trying to solve the murder case. Selby is intelligent, determined, and vulnerable. He is also conflicted about his feelings for Sylvia Martin.
A.B. Carr is Selby’s friend and a newspaper editor. He provides Selby with information and assistance throughout the case. Carr is a witty and charming character who adds humor to the story.
Other notable characters include Alvin Hotschkiss, the murder victim; his wife, Mildred Hotschkiss; his business partner, Victor Comstock; and his secretary, Janet Smith. Each of these characters has their own motives and secrets that are revealed throughout the story.
Notable Quotes from “They Call It Murder”
“They Call It Murder” is full of memorable and quotable lines. Here are a few examples:
- “You can’t fight City Hall with a pea shooter.”
- “The law is like a cage. It keeps the honest man in and the crook out.”
- “The only thing that’s certain in this world is death and taxes.”
- “The truth is like a toothache. It won’t go away until you deal with it.”
- “You can’t judge a book by its cover, but you can judge a man by his actions.”
Exploring the Soundtrack by Robert Drasnin in the Movie Version
The soundtrack for the movie version of “They Call It Murder” was composed by Robert Drasnin. Drasnin was a prolific composer who worked on many movies and TV shows in the 1960s and 1970s. His score for “They Call It Murder” is a moody and atmospheric piece of music that perfectly captures the tone of the movie.
The soundtrack features a mix of jazz, funk, and orchestral music. The main theme is a haunting melody played on a woodwind instrument. The soundtrack also includes more upbeat pieces that reflect the action and suspense of the story.
Curiosities and Behind-the-Scenes Facts about “They Call It Murder”
“They Call It Murder” has a number of interesting and curious facts associated with it. For example, the book was originally published under the title “The D.A. Draws a Circle.” The title was changed to “They Call It Murder” for the movie adaptation.
Another interesting fact is that the book was based on a real-life murder case that took place in California in the 1950s. Walter Grauman was a journalist at the time and covered the case. He used his experiences as a journalist to inform the book.
Tips for Cosplay and Dressing Up as Doug Selby, D.A., and A.B. Carr
If you’re a fan of “They Call It Murder,” you may be interested in dressing up as your favorite characters. Here are some tips for cosplay and dressing up as Doug Selby, D.A., and A.B. Carr:
- For Doug Selby, you will need a suit and tie, as well as a fedora hat. You can also carry a briefcase or a law book.
- For A.B. Carr, you will need a suit and tie, as well as a bowtie. You can also carry a notepad or a newspaper.
- For both characters, it’s important to pay attention to the details. For example, Doug Selby’s suits are often a muted color, while A.B. Carr’s suits are more colorful.
Biography of Erle Stanley Gardner and His 5 Best Works
Erle Stanley Gardner was an American author and lawyer, born in 1889. He is best known for creating the character of Perry Mason, a criminal defense lawyer who appears in many of his books. Gardner wrote over 80 novels and 100 short stories in his lifetime.
Here are 5 of Gardner’s best works:
- “The Case of the Velvet Claws” (1933)
- “The Case of the Sulky Girl” (1933)
- “The Case of the Howling Dog” (1934)
- “The Case of the Lucky Legs” (1934)
- “The Case of the Stuttering Bishop” (1937)
Other Works by Walter Grauman
Walter Grauman was an American film and TV director, born in 1922. In addition to “They Call It Murder,” he directed many other movies and TV shows. Here are 5 other media by Walter Grauman:
- “Lady in a Cage” (1964) – A horror-thriller movie starring Olivia de Havilland.
- “The Disappearance of Flight 412” (1974) – A TV movie about a military plane that disappears.
- “The House That Would Not Die” (1970) – A horror movie about a haunted house.
- “The Name of the Game” (1968-1971) – A TV series about a magazine publishing company.
- “Barnaby Jones” (1973-1980) – A TV series about a private detective.
Other Works by Erle Stanley Gardner
Erle Stanley Gardner wrote many books and short stories in addition to the Perry Mason series. Here are 5 other works by the author:
- “The D.A. Calls It Murder” (1937) – A mystery novel about a D.A. investigating a murder case.
- “The D.A. Holds a Candle” (1938) – A mystery novel about a D.A. who investigates a kidnapping.
- “The D.A. Takes a Chance” (1940) – A mystery novel about a D.A. who investigates a robbery case.
- “The D.A. Draws a Circle” (1951) – A mystery novel about a D.A. who investigates a murder case.
- “The Court of Last Resort” (1952) – A non-fiction book about Gardner’s efforts to help people who had been wrongly convicted of crimes.
10 Similar Movies to “They Call It Murder”
If you enjoyed “They Call It Murder,” you may be interested in these similar movies:
- “The Big Sleep” (1946)
- “Chinatown” (1974)
- “The Maltese Falcon” (1941)
- “Double Indemnity” (1944)
- “The Long Goodbye” (1973)
- “The Postman Always Rings Twice” (1946)
- “Touch of Evil” (1958)
- “The Third Man” (1949)
- “The Big Heat” (1953)
- “Out of the Past” (1947)
10 Novels with a Similar Plot to “The D.A. Draws a Circle”
If you enjoyed “The D.A. Draws a Circle,” you may be interested in these similar novels:
- “The Big Sleep” by Raymond Chandler
- “The Maltese Falcon” by Dashiell Hammett
- “Red Harvest” by Dashiell Hammett
- “The Thin Man” by Dashiell Hammett
- “The Postman Always Rings Twice” by James M. Cain
- “Double Indemnity” by James M. Cain
- “The Long Goodbye” by Raymond Chandler
- “Farewell, My Lovely” by Raymond Chandler
- “The Glass Key” by Dashiell Hammett
- “The High Window” by Raymond Chandler
Book Club Discussion Questions for “They Call It Murder”
If you’re planning to discuss “They Call It Murder” in your book club, here are some questions to get the conversation started:
- Who was your favorite character in the book? Why?
- Did you find the plot of the book to be predictable or surprising?
- What did you think of the setting and atmosphere of the book?
- Were you satisfied with the ending of the book? Why or why not?
- Did you prefer the book or the movie version of the story? Why?
Parent’s Guide to “They Call It Murder”
“They Call It Murder” is a mystery novel that contains some violence and adult themes. It is not appropriate for young children. Older teens may enjoy the book or movie adaptation, but parents should be aware of the mature content.
Buying Guide – Where to Purchase the Book and Movie Versions of “They Call It Murder”
If you’re interested in purchasing “They Call It Murder,” you can find the book on Amazon or at your local bookstore. The movie version is also available on Amazon or on DVD.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
“They Call It Murder” is a classic mystery novel that has been adapted into a movie. Both versions are well worth checking out if you’re a fan of the genre. The book is a well-crafted mystery with interesting characters and a suspenseful atmosphere. The movie is a faithful adaptation that captures the tone and atmosphere of the book. Overall, “They Call It Murder” is a great example of the mystery genre and a must-read for fans of the genre.
