Philip Marlowe is one of the most famous fictional detectives. He was created by Raymond Chandler and has been portrayed on the screen many times, most famously by Humphrey Bogart. Liam Neeson plays the latest iteration in your Sunday night movie Marlowe, set in late 1930s Los Angeles. Marlowe is assigned to a dark and mysterious case filled with dirty little secrets and interesting twists.
But detectives of yesteryear didn't have fast and easy access to the kind of technology we have today (no quick social media stalking for these guys!) and had to make do with other gadgets and accessories. Let's take a look at some must-have detective accessories from the past ... many of which can still come in handy today.
A good diary
A detective has to plan and write down every piece of evidence. Without a good note app or the ability to drop a quick voice note on a cellphone, detectives had to make do with a diary. A good pen or trusty pencil was just as important.
A recording device
However, by the time the 1930s rolled around, recording devices had already been invented and a good detective was sure to have one. It was nifty not only for making notes, but also to capture interviews with guilty parties or witnesses.
A magnifying glass
You never know when you may stumble across a tricky clue, a piece of evidence that needs to be examined, or a piece of paper that is hard to read, hence a magnifying glass proves to be most needed.
A trench coat and hat
A trench coat and hat personify the detective archetype of yesteryear. But there's a reason they loved these accessories. It's easier to get lost in a crowd and serves as a versatile disguise that makes escape easy. A bonus is that it can be used to hide other gadgets and accessories.
A pipe
Many good detectives may have been spotted smoking a pipe. Perhaps it just made them look cooler or calmed their nerves, but it is also said to suppress appetites. Useful, considering that detectives hardly have time to eat.
A walking stick
This is not only good for balance but can come in handy in many different instances, like closing a cupboard, pushing a button you can't reach, or warding off an attacker.
An umbrella
Detective don't rest, come rain or shine. An umbrella protects you from bad weather, and can also be used to hide underneath. It can also double as an improvised weapon.
A pair of binoculars
Running around the busy streets to find clues or follow a suspect is hard work. Binoculars are good for stakeouts and to keep tabs on your subject from afar.
A pocket watch
Time is of the essence and a pocket watch keeps you on track. It is also less visible than a wristwatch and can be hidden in a pocket to prevent theft.
Well, there you have it: your detective accessory checklist. Happy sleuthing! Watch Neeson on the case in Marlowe on Sunday at 21:00 on M-Net 101. You can also watch the movie on DStv Stream.
Watch the trailer here:
Featured image credit: Adobe Spark.