“The Killers” is a story about two hitmen entering a small diner in order to murder a man who visits the diner frequently. During their visit, they harangue the people working at the diner. The short story was adapted into a film titled The Killers, which initially follows the short story almost exactly, but extends well beyond the original plot. The short story opens with two men named Max and Al entering a diner and sitting down at the counter. The story is set in the early evening, just as darkness begins to fall. Max and Al are wearing matching outfits consisting of derby hats, black overcoats, silk mufflers and gloves. It is worth noting that this outfit is commonly associated with organized crime in the early 20th century. The
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Nick argues at first, but Al tells him that he better do it. This builds tension, as the reader is left wondering what Max and Al plan to do with the men in the restaurant. They ask who is working in the kitchen and George responds simply with “the nigger”. The cook’s name is revealed to be Sam, and Al takes Sam and Nick into the kitchen while Max sits at the counter with George. George asks Max what the men want. Max explains that he and Al are there to kill a Swedish man named Ole Anderson, who frequently visits the diner at 6 o’clock. Several context clues provided throughout the story lead the reader to infer that the story likely takes place in Prohibition-era America. The outfits Max and Al are wearing are commonly associated with early 20th century criminal organizations, Bevo was a non-alcoholic beer substitute that was quite popular during Prohibition, and the way Sam is treated poorly by all other characters in the scene lead the reader to this conclusion. George is instructed to attempt to convince any incoming patrons to leave and to prepare food himself for stubborn patrons. At seven o’clock, Max and Al decide that their target is not going to make an appearance. The tension in this scene reaches a climax as the hitmen decide what to do with the hostages. They decide to leave without harming any of the men. George tells Nick he needs to go warn Ole Anderson about the two hitmen. Sam believes it to be a bad idea, but Nick decides to visit him
Nick argues at first, but Al tells him that he better do it. This builds tension, as the reader is left wondering what Max and Al plan to do with the men in the restaurant. They ask who is working in the kitchen and George responds simply with “the nigger”. The cook’s name is revealed to be Sam, and Al takes Sam and Nick into the kitchen while Max sits at the counter with George. George asks Max what the men want. Max explains that he and Al are there to kill a Swedish man named Ole Anderson, who frequently visits the diner at 6 o’clock. Several context clues provided throughout the story lead the reader to infer that the story likely takes place in Prohibition-era America. The outfits Max and Al are wearing are commonly associated with early 20th century criminal organizations, Bevo was a non-alcoholic beer substitute that was quite popular during Prohibition, and the way Sam is treated poorly by all other characters in the scene lead the reader to this conclusion. George is instructed to attempt to convince any incoming patrons to leave and to prepare food himself for stubborn patrons. At seven o’clock, Max and Al decide that their target is not going to make an appearance. The tension in this scene reaches a climax as the hitmen decide what to do with the hostages. They decide to leave without harming any of the men. George tells Nick he needs to go warn Ole Anderson about the two hitmen. Sam believes it to be a bad idea, but Nick decides to visit him