Trivia

Encouraged Ian Fleming to continue writing his James Bond novels in the mid 1950s by writing a few words of recommendation to Fleming's American publishers.

He was once asked how he felt about Hollywood 'ruining' his books at which point he led the person who asked him into his study, pointed to his works and said 'They're right there. They're fine'.

He was 50 years old when his first novel was published.

He gave up writing at the age of 22 after the suicide of his friend Richard Middleton. Chandler felt that, if someone as talented as Middleton couldn't make it, he didn't have a chance.

Died midway through writing his last Philip Marlowe novel, "Poodle Springs," in 1959. More than three decades later, it was completed by Chandler admirer Robert B. Parker (author of the "Spenser" novels), and became a best-seller.

He appears in a brief cameo in Double Indemnity (1944). Late in the film he can be seen seated in a chair outside Edward G. Robinson's mezzanine office as Fred MacMurray leaves.

Chandler derogatorily referred to Veronica Lake as "Moronica.".

Was in his early 40s before selling his first magazine story.

Former journalist and oil executive. First started writing for the pulp magazine "Black Mask" magazine at the age of 45. He wrote the first of the seven novels that made him famous in 1939.

He spent much of his childhood in London, England and became a British citizen in 1907. He did not regain his American citizenship until 1956.

His final completed novel, "Playback" was originally written as a screenplay for Universal Studios. After paying him for it, Universal passed on shooting it, so Chandler converted it to a novel.

Like P.G. Wodehouse and Michael Ondaatje, he is one of the literary greats who were students at Dulwich College

During World War I was a member of the Fiftieth Regiment of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. His basic training was in Victoria, British Columbia. On November 26, 1917 his regiment left Halifax, Nova Scotia setting sail for Liverpool. From Seaford, Sussex he left for the front on March 16, 1918. In late Summer 1918 he joined the Royal Air Force.

His wife Cissy was over seventeen years older than he was and was, to his embarrassment, sometimes thought by strangers to be his mother. Chandler was devoted to her and tried to commit suicide after her death.

The last of the Philip Marlowe novels, "Playback", is based on an unfilmed original screenplay by Chandler - one in which the character of Marlowe does not appear.

Legendary detective novelist and occasional screenwriter. Created Philip Marlowe.

Attended Dulwich College in London, the same school attended by C.S. Forester and P.G. Wodehouse.

As a mark of respect and appreciation, Raymond Chandler personally typed a letter to fellow author Dashiell Hammett, praising his work.

In total, it took Raymond Chandler four years to complete the novel, "The Long Goodbye." This was attributed to his alcoholism causing delays in the completion of his manuscript.

During prohibition, the writer played an active role in bootlegging. It was during this period that his drinking increased.

Was admired for his prose, by the likes of Ian Fleming, W. H Auden and Evelyn Waugh.

He has been played twice by Patrick Stewart in British radio plays, both concerning his adventures in film writing.

Owing to his early years spent in England, Raymond Chandler described himself as 60% British and 40% American.

The house Chandler lived in on Shetland Ln. in Brentwood is shown in Hollywood Mouth 2 (2014). He wrote "The High Window" and "Lady in the Lake" while living here.

'The Blue Dahlia' was the first screenplay that he wrote on his own.

The expression "Chandleresque" was coined, on account of Raymond Chandler reinventing the hard-boiled detective genre.

Was of Irish descent and spent many summers in Waterford, Ireland.

In 1912, Chandler studied accountancy in Los Angeles.

As a child, the future author had a strained relationship with his father. However, Chandler remained close to his mother.

Attended school in the East Fourth Ward of Plattsmouth, Nebraska when he mother left his father and moved in with her sister.

Unlike his wise-cracking character Philip Marlowe, Raymond Chandler was known for being a well read individual.

Attended Dulwich College as a "day boy" graduating in 1900.

Passed away before completing his novel, "Poodle Springs.".

Became a full time writer during the early days of the Great Depression.

When "The Big Sleep" (1946) was being cast, Raymond Chandler wanted Cary Grant to play Philip Marlowe. Grant declined but Chandler approved of Humphrey Bogart being cast.

His family had hopes that he would become a civil servant, based in England. Chandler expressed no enthusiasm at all.

Was reportedly unhappy with the depiction of his Philip Marlowe character, when adapted for radio.

Whilst working on the screenplay of "Strangers on a Train," Chandler frequently clashed with director Alfred Hitchcock due to artistic differences. Eventually, they refused to speak to each other and Hitchcock disposed of Chandler's contribution.

Of all the actors to have played Philip Marlowe, Humphrey Bogart and Dick Powell are considered the best.

Was a journalist for the Daily Express and the Westminster Gazette.

The story of "The Little Sister" was said to be based upon Raymond Chandler's contempt for Hollywood.

Once described Los Angeles as "a paradise of failures." This was a reference by Raymond Chandler, regarding his disdain for the city.

Following the passing of his wife, Raymond Chandler's drinking worsened. He returned to England to recuperate for a short period.

The one constant criticism of Chandler's writing, is that his narratives are slightly rambling and incoherent.

As a result of poor sales with "The Big Sleep" and "Farewell My Lovely" novels, Raymond Chandler found himself near the bread line.

When employed as an Oil company executive, Raymond Chandler was earning $3,000 a month.

It has been suggested but not verified, that Raymond Chandler suffered from manic depression.

The British costume designer Jocelyn Rickards, who knew Chandler well in the 1950s, wrote in her memoirs, long after the writer's death, that she suspected his marriage had never been consummated and that he had died a virgin.

Was prone to writer's block.

Aside from being an author of novels and short stories, Chandler was also a poet. However, his poems had little success.