“The Procane Chronicle” is a classic detective novel written by Oliver Bleeck in 1972. The story follows private investigator Abner Procane as he is hired by the wealthy and enigmatic Raymond St. Ives to recover stolen manuscripts. The novel is known for its intricate plot, well-crafted characters, and witty dialogue. In 1976, “St. Ives” was adapted into a film directed by J. Lee Thompson, starring Charles Bronson as Raymond St. Ives and Jacqueline Bisset as Janet Whistler. The film is known for its action-packed scenes, stunning visuals, and memorable performances.
Book summary of “The Procane Chronicle”
“The Procane Chronicle” is set in the fictional town of Santa Barbara, California, in the early 1970s. Abner Procane is hired by Raymond St. Ives to recover stolen manuscripts written by the famous author Arthur A. Leander. The case takes several unexpected turns, leading Procane to uncover a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal. Along the way, he meets a cast of intriguing characters, including Janet Whistler, a beautiful journalist with a hidden agenda, and Jack Ruxton, a ruthless criminal with a grudge against St. Ives. As the case unfolds, Procane must use all his wit and cunning to stay one step ahead of his enemies and solve the mystery.
Movie summary of “St. Ives (1976)”
“St. Ives (1976)” follows the basic plot of “The Procane Chronicle”, with some changes in the characters and storyline. Charles Bronson plays Raymond St. Ives, a former journalist turned detective, who is hired by a wealthy businessman to recover stolen documents. Along the way, he meets Janet Whistler, played by Jacqueline Bisset, and uncovers a conspiracy involving corrupt politicians and gangsters. The film is known for its thrilling car chases, shootouts, and suspenseful plot twists.
When and where the story takes place
Both “The Procane Chronicle” and “St. Ives (1976)” take place in Santa Barbara, California, in the early 1970s. The novel and the film capture the essence of the era, with references to popular culture, music, and fashion of the time.
Film locations of “St. Ives (1976)”
“St. Ives (1976)” was filmed on location in Santa Barbara, California, and other nearby areas. Some of the most notable locations include the Santa Barbara Courthouse, the Santa Barbara Yacht Harbor, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
Characters in “The Procane Chronicle” and “St. Ives (1976)”
“The Procane Chronicle” and “St. Ives (1976)” feature a cast of well-developed characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. Abner Procane is the main protagonist of the novel, a seasoned detective with a sharp mind and a dry sense of humor. Raymond St. Ives is the enigmatic millionaire who hires Procane to solve the case. Janet Whistler is a beautiful journalist who becomes involved in the investigation and develops a romantic interest in St. Ives. Other notable characters include Jack Ruxton, a ruthless criminal with a personal vendetta against St. Ives, and the corrupt politician Ellis DeWitt, who is involved in the conspiracy.
Memorable quotes from the book and film
“The Procane Chronicle” and “St. Ives (1976)” are filled with memorable quotes that capture the essence of the characters and the story. Some of the most notable quotes include:
- “I’m a private detective. I don’t need a reason to be interested in anything.” – Abner Procane
- “Money doesn’t interest me. But it’s a good way to keep score.” – Raymond St. Ives
- “I’m a journalist. I never lie, but I don’t always tell the truth.” – Janet Whistler
- “When you’re in a hole, stop digging.” – Abner Procane
- “I don’t like being double-crossed. It tends to make me irritable.” – Raymond St. Ives
The soundtrack by Lalo Schifrin
The soundtrack of “St. Ives (1976)” was composed by the legendary Argentine composer Lalo Schifrin, best known for his work on the “Mission: Impossible” TV series. The soundtrack features a mix of jazz, funk, and orchestral music, perfectly capturing the mood and atmosphere of the film.
Curiosities and interesting facts about the story and production
“The Procane Chronicle” and “St. Ives (1976)” are filled with curiosities and interesting facts that add to the charm of the works. For example, Oliver Bleeck based the character of Raymond St. Ives on his friend and fellow writer Ross Macdonald. Additionally, J. Lee Thompson originally wanted Steve McQueen to play the role of St. Ives, but the actor declined due to health issues. The film also features a cameo by the famous author and screenwriter James Baldwin.
Tips for cosplay and dressing like Raymond St. Ives and Abner Procane
If you are a fan of “The Procane Chronicle” and “St. Ives (1976)”, you may be interested in cosplaying as your favorite characters. To dress like Raymond St. Ives, you will need a brown leather jacket, a white button-up shirt, black pants, and brown boots. To dress like Abner Procane, you will need a tweed jacket, a white shirt, a brown tie, khaki pants, and brown shoes. You can also accessorize with a fedora hat and a vintage watch to complete the look.
Biography of Oliver Bleeck, the author of “The Procane Chronicle”
Oliver Bleeck was an American writer and journalist, best known for his detective novels. He was born in New York City in 1928 and started his career as a journalist for the New York Times. He published his first novel, “The Big Stick-Up”, in 1959, and went on to write several successful detective novels, including “The Procane Chronicle”. Bleeck died in 1996 at the age of 67.
The 5 best works by Oliver Bleeck
If you are a fan of “The Procane Chronicle”, you may be interested in reading other works by Oliver Bleeck. Here are five of his best works:
- “The Big Stick-Up” (1959)
- “The Darkening Door” (1960)
- “The Face of Fear” (1962)
- “The Living End” (1963)
- “The Dead Ringer” (1966)
Other media by J. Lee Thompson related to “St. Ives (1976)”
J. Lee Thompson was a prolific British film director, known for his work in various genres, including action, drama, and thriller. In addition to “St. Ives (1976)”, he directed several other films that may be of interest to fans of the novel and the film, including:
- “The Guns of Navarone” (1961)
- “Cape Fear” (1962)
- “Mackenna’s Gold” (1969)
- “The Evil That Men Do” (1984)
- “Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects” (1989)
10 similar movies to “St. Ives (1976)”
If you enjoyed “St. Ives (1976)”, you may be interested in watching other films with a similar theme or style. Here are ten movies that you may enjoy:
- “The Long Goodbye” (1973)
- “The French Connection” (1971)
- “Chinatown” (1974)
- “The Big Sleep” (1946)
- “The Maltese Falcon” (1941)
- “To Live and Die in L.A.” (1985)
- “The Getaway” (1972)
- “Bullitt” (1968)
- “The Thomas Crown Affair” (1968)
- “Three Days of the Condor” (1975)
Book club discussion questions for “The Procane Chronicle”
If you are part of a book club and have read “The Procane Chronicle”, here are some discussion questions that you may find interesting:
- What did you think of the character of Abner Procane? Did you find him likable or unlikable?
- What did you think of the ending of the novel? Did it surprise you or did you see it coming?
- What themes did you notice in the novel? Did you think they were well-developed?
- What did you think of the writing style of Oliver Bleeck? Did it enhance or detract from the story?
- What did you think of the relationship between Abner Procane and Raymond St. Ives? Did you think it was realistic?
10 similar novels to “The Procane Chronicle”
If you enjoyed “The Procane Chronicle”, you may be interested in reading other novels with a similar theme or style. Here are ten novels that you may enjoy:
- “The Big Sleep” by Raymond Chandler
- “The Maltese Falcon” by Dashiell Hammett
- “The Lady in the Lake” by Raymond Chandler
- “The Long Goodbye” by Raymond Chandler
- “The Postman Always Rings Twice” by James M. Cain
- “The Big Nowhere” by James Ellroy
- “The Black Dahlia” by James Ellroy
- “The Last Good Kiss” by James Crumley
- “The Friends of Eddie Coyle” by George V. Higgins
- “The Grifters” by Jim Thompson
Parent’s guide to “St. Ives (1976)”
“St. Ives (1976)” is rated PG, but it may not be suitable for all ages. The film contains some violence, including shootings and fistfights, as well as some mild profanity and sexual references. Parents may want to watch the film with their children and discuss the themes and content.
Buying guide and gift ideas for fans of “The Procane Chronicle” and “St. Ives (1976)”
If you are a fan of “The Procane Chronicle” and “St. Ives (1976)”, you may be interested in buying merchandise or gifts related to the works. Here are some ideas:
- “The Procane Chronicle” novel by Oliver Bleeck
- “St. Ives (1976)” DVD or Blu-ray
- Raymond St. Ives or Abner Procane action figures
- Soundtrack CD of “St. Ives (1976)” by Lalo Schifrin
- Vintage detective novels or DVDs of classic film noirs
Conclusion
“The Procane Chronicle” and “St. Ives (1976)” are timeless works of literature and film that continue to captivate audiences today.
From the intricate plot to the well-developed characters and memorable quotes, these works are a testament to the talent of Oliver Bleeck and J. Lee Thompson.
Whether you are a fan of detective novels, action films, or classic literature, “The Procane Chronicle” and “St. Ives (1976)” are works that should not be missed.
