I became aware of this author only recently, due to the Netlfix limited series "Ripley", based on Highsmith's 1955 psychological thriller, "The Talented Mr. Ripley". The book "Strangers on a Train" is 90% or more based on what the characters are thinking, which might cause one to ask, how could Hitchcock make this into a movie, as there is little actual action. The opening scene in which the two main characters meet on a train is very faithful to the book. After that, Hitchcock veers off on his own.
The Guy Haines chacter, an architect in the book, becomes a famous tennis player. Guy's fiancee is depicted in the movie as the daughter of a U.S. Senator, and her sister becomes a central charcter in the movie, probably my favorite character. I was surprised to discover that the sister is played by Hitchcock's daughter. She is totally delightful, because she provides an element of childlike wonder and honesty amidst all of the deception and intrigue going on around her.
In the book the bad guy, Bruno, self-destructs in the end due to his alcoholism, and Guy self-destructs due to his guilt over what he has done. The movie ending is much more upbeat. Guy resists Bruno's urging him to carry out his end of the supposed "bargain" and kill Bruno's father, and Guy and his new wife face the future with their marriage intact.
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