I think there are a few things that we need to see when we think of the main character of a “hard boiled” detective novel. Those things basically boil down to this: swave, smarts, and sex. Yes, this term and I deeming The Triple S. As an object of reference: James Bond (not that the James Bond books or flicks are deemed “hard boiled”). This is the frame of reference for our “hard boiled” detective heros. Think of James Bond for a moment. What comes to mind? I’m willing to bet its swave, smarts, and sex.

I know that these three things are evident in our movie version of “Ed.” They are also quite prevalent in our Samurai friend in Yojimbo. Both seem to exude a sort of confidence. Everything is under their control. Nothing that happens is unexpected. Even when they are both beaten to bloody pulps they still have enough wits about them to devise clever escapes. Not to mention the Samurai’s chin scratching – a sure sign that very clever thoughts are being thought.

I’m not sure why it is that we like to see these types of men as the lead in detective stories, but I do know that if they weren’t there, the movie/book just would feel the same.