“Purple Noon” is a classic thriller starring French superstar Alain Delon in his first major role. It is the earliest movie adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel, “The Talented Mr. Ripley”. The novel was later adapted, once again for the big screen in the 1999 movie “The Talented Mr. Ripley” and then again in the 2024 Netflix television series, “Ripley”.

The movie opens with two boisterous young men, Philippe Greenleaf (Maurice Ronet) and Tom Ripley (Alain Delon), living a fun life in the fictitious town of Mongibello, Italy, in the 1960s. The young men dine and drink at trendy restaurants, are fashionably attired, and seem to be living carefree lives.

It is revealed that Tom comes from a modest background and has been tasked by Philippe’s father to persuade his young and brash son to return to the United States.

Philippe is the typical rich, arrogant, and entitled heir. He lives a luxurious life, spends with reckless abandon, and is in a relationship with a young lady, Marge (Marie Laforêt). Soon realizing that Tom is sponging off him and enjoying the rich life, a resentful Philippe starts treating Tom with unkindness and disdain. Marge is not happy with Philippe’s attitude, but Philippe tells her that Tom is only loyal to him for his money.

Unfortunately for Philippe, while Tom seems submissive and obedient, he is secretly cunning and has diabolical plans to take everything Philippe has, including Marge. Tom’s plan also includes murder.

Tom puts his fiendish scheme in motion by killing Philippe and convincing Marge that Philippe has left her. He then steals Philippe’s identity by replacing Philippe’s photos with his own in Philippe’s passport and forging Philippe’s passport.

Tom faces more hurdles when Freddy, Philippe’s friend who dislikes Tom, finds out that Tom is impersonating Philippe. Tom continues to trick the authorities and makes headway in winning Marge. How long can he keep up the deception? The rest of the movie answers this question.

Directed by René Clément, “Purple Noon” has great cinematography and presents beautiful outdoor locales and magnificent indoor architecture of 1960s Italy. The movie also has a haunting background score. Delon’s good looks and fine acting make him a convincing charming and diabolical Ripley. Maurice Ronet also impresses as the spoiled Greenleaf. Marie Laforêt is great as the beautiful and gullible Marge.

The end of the movie is somewhat ambiguous and does not leave room for a sequel, which is interesting, as Highsmith had written a few more sequels to her novel. This movie is definitely worth watching and is a visual treat with fine acting performances.