The Dain Curse (miniseries)

The Dain Curse is a 1978 American television miniseries based on the 1929 Dashiell Hammett novel of the same name. It was broadcast in three parts on CBS and starred James Coburn as the Continental Op, Hammett's recurring detective character, although the character is never explicitly named as such in the miniseries.

The story follows the Continental Op's investigation into the Dain family and the mysterious curse that seems to plague them. The Op is hired to investigate a series of thefts from the Dains, but soon uncovers a web of secrets, lies, murder, and religious fanaticism. He encounters multiple suspects, each with their own motivations and secrets, as he attempts to unravel the truth behind the "curse" and the dangers surrounding the Dain family, particularly the young and vulnerable Gabrielle Leggett Dain. The plot involves elements of drug use, cults, and psychological manipulation.

The miniseries is known for its relatively faithful adaptation of Hammett's novel, although some details were altered or condensed for television. It is considered a notable, if somewhat dated, example of early television adaptations of hardboiled detective fiction.