What book is Purple Noon (1960) based on?
The Talented Mr. Ripley, book 1 of Ripley, by Patricia Highsmith.
The book behind Purple Noon
The Talented Mr. Ripley
1955 · book 1 of Ripley · by Patricia Highsmith
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Should you read it first?
Read the novel first. Purple Noon is the earliest film version listed on Wikipedia, and it is in French.
Book vs movie
- The film was shot mainly around Naples, Ischia and Procida, with its opening scene in Rome.
- Roger Ebert said the film lacks Highsmith's iron nerve.
Show the big differences (spoilers)
The film ends with Ripley lured into a police trap at a café. Highsmith called the capture a terrible concession to so-called public morality.
What to read next
Ripley Under Ground (1970). Ripley Under Ground (1970) is next. By then Tom lives in France, partly financed by a forgery operation.
Ripley in order
- 1The Talented Mr. Ripley 1955
- 2Ripley Under Ground 1970
- 3Ripley's Game 1974
- 4The Boy Who Followed Ripley 1980
- 5Ripley Under Water 1991
Other adaptations of The Talented Mr. Ripley
| Movie or series | Year |
|---|---|
| Ripley | 2024, series |
| The Talented Mr. Ripley | 1999 |