"Ask Eddie"

[Steve-O]

the Czar of Noir comes here regularly to answer your noir questions...

[Steve-O]

OK... I'll break the ice.

Eddie: in your article on Slattery's Hurricane (http://www.noiroftheweek.com/2010/01/slatterys-hurricane-1949.html) you mention that Buzz Bezzerides was an uncredited writer. I assume that's A.I. Bezzerides? Why would he be uncredited? He did Thieves' Highway the same year for 20th Century Fox and got proper credit (I think)... why wasn't he credited on this one?

[Fast Eddie]

EDDIE SEZ:

Andre de Toth hired Bezzerides to punch up the script with some smarter dialogue, to make the characters more human. Widmark's obnoxious drunk scene is pure Buzz. And I'll bet he wrote Slattery's brutal retort when Veronica Lake says "I hate you." ... "Go hate me outside... I want to get some sleep." That drew audible gasps from the Noir City crowd.

Credits were worked out between agents and studios. Only years later, when intrepid writers peruse production files, do you discover that uncredited writers were often snuck into the budget to liven up a script. According to de Toth, he and Bill Bowers wrote virtually all of PITFALL, although Karl Kamb gets solo credit. Likewise, Joe Newman told me that Bowers is "responsible for everything that is good" in ABANDONED, but his credit (I think) is limited to "Additional Dialogue By..."

FE

[Steve-O]

fantastic... I'm glad you mentioned Bill Bowers too. Prior to Noir City I didn't recognize his contributions to some of my favorite noirs.

[Christine M]

OK, I have a question. During the festival, passport holders were given a form in which they were to list their choices for best movie, actor, etc. When are the results going to be posted?

[Hart]

Dear Noir Czar,

At the NoirCity festival in Frisco I noticed two rather obscure Robert Siodmak films were shown (Fly By Night & Deported). Was just wondering why you chose to show those films over some other, better known noirs--but, unfortunately, unavailable on dvd here in the States-- such as Phantom Lady, Christmas Holiday and Cry of the City. Or were you planning to show these other films at another NoirCity event laterthis year?

[Fast Eddie]

Soon, I hope. They have been tabulated. Our web master has a day job, unfortunately...

[Fast Eddie]

We have shown all three of those films at previous Noir City festivals. I knew FLY-BY-NIGHT would be a crowd-pleaser ... I enjoy it every time I see it. DEPORTED was the only American Siodmak film that had not been screened in decades, so showing it, even once, was a valuable way to determine the quality of the only existing print we know of. Even Hervé Dumont, perhaps the world's leading expert of Siodmak, had not seen it. San Francisco audiences are very appreciative of such exclusive treatment.

FYI, Criterion has licensed both CRY OF THE CITY and THE FILE ON THELMA JORDON for DVD release. No idea when that might happen ... they've had CRY for several years now.

[Christine M]

Thanks, I look forward to the results. (In regard to the other question posted, I have to say that Fly-By-Night was one of the best films shown at the festival.)

[Harry Fabian]

Keep an eye out for TCM and Fox Movie Channel for The File on Thelma Jordon and Cry of the City-I have taped both of them from those channels in the past year or so.

[Hart]

Fly-By-Night was a lot of fun and it was another Siodmak film I hadn't seen (let alone heard of!). Big props to Eddie for showing it (and Deported, which had its moments and was also entertaining). This being the first NoirCity I've attended I had no idea those films had been shown previously. I'm kicking myself hard for having missed those other festivals. But a kudo to Harry for the TCM & FMC showings; hopefully I can catch an airing one of these days.

[Keith]

Will Cry Danger get a DVD release?

[Fast Eddie]

Stay tuned ... this is something we'll be working on in 2010 -- getting our restorations on DVD.

[BobtheGambler]

So, Fast, Mr. Eddie, will you be at the Castro Theatre the 21st of April, when as part of the TCM Film Festival Peter Bogdanovich will be hosting The Lady From Shanghai? And will you be taking an active part in the presentation, and festivities?

[BobtheGambler]

One last question, Eddie. Did you listen to today's Fresh Air on NPR? There was an interview with Henry Scott, author of a book on Confidential magazine. Terry Gross was not the interviewer, but they did touch on Lizabeth Scott's connection with "baritone babes" and Frank Sinatra's legendary virility being attributed, at least in part, to Wheaties, Breakfast of Champions. I thought of you when I heard it, and LA CONFIDENTIAL as well.

[Hart]

Nevermind that post; just saw on another thread that the LA Noir City will be between April 2nd and the 18th. I suppose the only thing left to ask is: what's gonna be showing?

[JCharles]

Hi Eddie, on an earlier thread it was mentioned that you might be in attendance at The Film Forum in New York City for the March 19th showing of The Prowler. Is that still happening? I stopped by the theater last week and they didn't have any info.

[Fast Eddie]

So, Fast, Mr. Eddie, will you be at the Castro Theatre the 21st of April, when as part of the TCM Film Festival Peter Bogdanovich will be hosting The Lady From Shanghai? And will you be taking an active part in the presentation, and festivities?

Nope, I was not asked to do that gig. And I'll probably be sound asleep after the endless NOIR CITY: LA festival.

[Fast Eddie]

Nevermind that post; just saw on another thread that the LA Noir City will be between April 2nd and the 18th. I suppose the only thing left to ask is: what's gonna be showing?

It's ALMOST finalized. A schedule will be posted within the week ... I hope. At least a tentative one, for the out-of-towners. Like me.

[Fast Eddie]

Hi Eddie, on an earlier thread it was mentioned that you might be in attendance at The Film Forum in New York City for the March 19th showing of The Prowler. Is that still happening? I stopped by the theater last week and they didn't have any info.

Yes, I will be there. I hope a lot of NYC area BAN members will come out. I'm hoping the Manhattan media picks up on it, like they did the restored THE RED SHOES.

[JCharles]

Yes, I will be there. I hope a lot of NYC area BAN members will come out. I'm hoping the Manhattan media picks up on it, like they did the restored THE RED SHOES.
That's great. I will be looking forward to it. I would bet that the Village Voice will have a write-up on the showing of The Prowler. They like that subversive stuff!

[Steve-O]

there will be BAN members there. I hope we can get a group together before the showing of The Prowler.

[JCharles]

there will be BAN members there. I hope we can get a group together before the showing of The Prowler.
Sounds great. Count me in. It would be great to meet other Film Noir aficianados.

[philnoir]

Hi Eddie,

How far along in the process are you in getting the Film Noir Foundation restorations on DVD? Have you found a compression and authoring house? I am a project manager at a compression and authoring house in LA and would love to get our company involved.

If you are interested, please let me know.

[Steve-O]

an interview (http://www.thesunbreak.com/2010/03/04/noir-city-man-an-interview-with-the-czar-of-noir-eddie-muller-part-1) with Eddie...

my favorite part:



Tall, dressed in black, and sporting Reed-Richards-style slashes of white at each of his temples, Muller cuts a figure almost as imposing as one of the Noir toughies he's chronicled in those books and countless DVD commentaries...
http://scrapetv.com/News/News%20Pages/Everyone%20Else/images-4/fantastic-four-reed-richards.jpg

[JCharles]

Hi Eddie, I have a question regarding Fallen Angel. I re-watched the Fox DVD the other day and plugged in your commentary with Dana Andrews' daughter. Very enjoyable, it provided some good insights. I then watched the stills gallery. Along with some familiar stills, they had a few that entailed Dana Andrews standing over a body on the beach and others where he was struggling over a gun with Charles Bickford in an automobile mock-up. Unless I fell asleep, I don't recall seeing these scenes in the picture. Is there a story behind that? Were they originally in the script and then cut out at the last minute? Very intriguing!

[BobtheGambler]

There's a well-known publicity still from FALLEN ANGEL that shows Andrews on the waterfront at night, dragging the corpse of the man he accidently killed, and I remember some years ago looking for that scene in the film. You see Andrews leaving the building with the corpse, and then you see him sitting in the police station as the sun rises. So you see before and after, but not the scene itself. Which led me to believe that the photo was a publicity shot only, but perhaps the scene was filmed and edited out. I certainly don't know the answer, but perhaps Eddie might.

[David]

an interview (http://www.thesunbreak.com/2010/03/04/noir-city-man-an-interview-with-the-czar-of-noir-eddie-muller-part-1) with Eddie...

my favorite part:



http://scrapetv.com/News/News%20Pages/Everyone%20Else/images-4/fantastic-four-reed-richards.jpg

Lol, coulda been worse (Ben Grimm a.k.a. 'The Thing')

[JCharles]

There's a well-known publicity still from FALLEN ANGEL that shows Andrews on the waterfront at night, dragging the corpse of the man he accidently killed, and I remember some years ago looking for that scene in the film. You see Andrews leaving the building with the corpse, and then you see him sitting in the police station as the sun rises. So you see before and after, but not the scene itself. Which led me to believe that the photo was a publicity shot only, but perhaps the scene was filmed and edited out. I certainly don't know the answer, but perhaps Eddie might.

Hi Bob, I think I've seen the same still but it was associated with Where The Sidewalk Ends. And I haven't observed it in that movie either. Hmmmm....

[Davidmk]

It's very interesting , i have noticed that on quite a few of these films where some of the stills were not in the movie , last one i remember was "Moontide" , i just bought Fallen angel , i'll keep my eyes out for this as well , i like noticing things like that ....

[Fast Eddie]

There's a well-known publicity still from FALLEN ANGEL that shows Andrews on the waterfront at night, dragging the corpse of the man he accidently killed, and I remember some years ago looking for that scene in the film. You see Andrews leaving the building with the corpse, and then you see him sitting in the police station as the sun rises. So you see before and after, but not the scene itself. Which led me to believe that the photo was a publicity shot only, but perhaps the scene was filmed and edited out. I certainly don't know the answer, but perhaps Eddie might.

That's actually WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS, and the scene is in the movie, quickly. However, there are plenty of instances where this happens, including FALLEN ANGEL. If you look at the stills Gallery on the DVD, you'll see a scene on the cliff between Andrews and Bickford that isn't in the film. Apparently there was an alternate ending shot. This is one of the things that I REALLY disliked about doing audio commentaries: I was brought in too late to the project (always) and I wasn't given the same material as the producer was working from because they wouldn't fly me to the studio to do research. And if I had to pay may own way, it'd eat up most of my meager payment. One producer, Steve Smith, was always well-prepared and cooperative provided good advance material that I might not otherwise have had. With MOONTIDE some of the still shots were from stuff that Fritz Lang directed, but that Archie Mayo, the second director, decided to leave out.

[Davidmk]

Very cool , that makes sense on MOONTIDE where they changed the directors & shot different footage I didn't even think of that .... even though it alludes to that in the small domumantary on the dvd ....

[Steve-O]

Eddie:

here's a question via email from Bruce:


I have gone to the Noir City Website looking to purchase the complete set of Noir City Posters but I do not see the 8TH annual 2010 poster available in either the set purchase or by single copy.When will this poster be available for purchase.As a yearly pass holder I am already looking forward to Noir City 2011!

[Fast Eddie]

Eddie:

here's a question via email from Bruce:

Uh, we'll need to correect that ASAP ... thanks for the reminder. Hold tight, you won't miss ut.

EM

[bogie]

Heres a tough one to find,The Last Crooked Mile(1946)Don Red Barry,Ann Savage,Sheldon Leonard,
Any news of this title coming out on DVD?

[noirguru]

Why not an east coast NoirCity?

[Fast Eddie]

Why not an east coast NoirCity?


There are many and various reasons. Most have to do with finding a suitable venue. The only way it could make a profit is to be in a large metro area with good public transportation. Film Forum rules Manhattan and we don't intend to go in there. The Brattle Theatre, outside Boston, is a possibility, but to be honest, we're not all that eager to do more shows. It's exhausting and time consuming. Never say never, but right now I'm just trying to recuperate from three NOIR CITY series in succession.

[tterrace]

Nice interview with you on the Columbia Classics site. Got my hopes up that their upcoming Film Noir Classics 2 set might have a commentary or two from you. Yes/no? Thanks.

[Fast Eddie]

Nice interview with you on the Columbia Classics site. Got my hopes up that their upcoming Film Noir Classics 2 set might have a commentary or two from you. Yes/no? Thanks.

No. As indicated earlier in this thread, studios are no longer doing commentaries for classic films. There are a number of reasons for this, but it basically comes down to money and the perception on the part of key decision-makers that commentaries are too expensive to produce. To give you some idea: I recently learned that at one studio my payment for creating and performing a commentary was 3.75% of the total cost of "producing" the commentary. Hmmm ... there were obviously some padded expenditures in there that would make the Pentagon blush.

[Sabzi_Nic]

No. As indicated earlier in this thread, studios are no longer doing commentaries for classic films. There are a number of reasons for this, but it basically comes down to money and the perception on the part of key decision-makers that commentaries are too expensive to produce. To give you some idea: I recently learned that at one studio my payment for creating and performing a commentary was 3.75% of the total cost of "producing" the commentary. Hmmm ... there were obviously some padded expenditures in there that would make the Pentagon blush.

thats very depressing to find out that future dvds wont even have this as a special feature :( special feature just adds value to a dvd..like your money was well spent you know?

Thank god for we have companies like masters of cinema and criterion that do include special features for their classic films and criterion produce alot of their own features. Hopefully criterion will release more film noirs in the future :)

[Keith]

As much as I like commentaries and special features and will miss them dearly, I'm just glad they're even releasing them in good prints and on pressed DVD's.

[Davidmk]

thats very depressing to find out that future dvds wont even have this as a special feature :( special feature just adds value to a dvd..like your money was well spent you know?

Thank god for we have companies like masters of cinema and criterion that do include special features for their classic films and criterion produce alot of their own features. Hopefully criterion will release more film noirs in the future :)

I agree & was really bummed when Eddie posted this earlier in the thread , i love the small "featurettes" & the "commentary" tracks , it's nice to hear Both opinions & actual facts on these movies from people who have actually spent the time out of love for these films to learn as much as they can about them & share that with us ..... so many times in a film i'll wonder "where is this scene shot" & it's usually on the commentary & they even go into "yes that gas station is still on the corner of such & such" or wondering what song is being sung in scene & if the actor/actress is really doing their own singing ,like Ida lupino in Roadhouse , i as a fan have learned a lot from these & also just like watching them with this "casual conversation" going on ..... i will indeed miss them & do hope maybe the slack can be picked up with some sort of Podcasts again or something .... But at least they are gonna put out some new Films to own .

Eddie , I know you are planning dvd releases at some point through the Foundation , will you yourself add commentary to those ?

[Fast Eddie]

Eddie , I know you are planning dvd releases at some point through the Foundation , will you yourself add commentary to those ?[/QUOTE]


Recent developments bode well for DVD releases of FNF restorations. When that happens, in all likelihood I will provide commentary. And thanks for the enthusiasm!

[tterrace]

Would it be practical (legal/economic/worth the effort) to produce "third party" commentaries that would sync with existing DVDs? Sort of like podcasts one could subscribe to? I can't tell you how much I've learned from and just had so much downright fun listening to your commentaries. Especially for the ones shot on location in San Francisco. Thanks.

[Davidmk]

Eddie , I know you are planning dvd releases at some point through the Foundation , will you yourself add commentary to those ?



Recent developments bode well for DVD releases of FNF restorations. When that happens, in all likelihood I will provide commentary. And thanks for the enthusiasm!

Thank you , i really do indeed enjoy the time you put into them ....

[Richard]

Eddie , I know you are planning dvd releases at some point through the Foundation , will you yourself add commentary to those ?



Recent developments bode well for DVD releases of FNF restorations. When that happens, in all likelihood I will provide commentary. And thanks for the enthusiasm!

Something to look forward to in the noir world, for those of us who can't travel to the festivals.
I'll want to own FNF DVD releases with your commentaries.

Richard

[Steve-O]

Eddie:

a question from the NOTW Nightmare Alley article (http://www.noiroftheweek.com/2005/05/nightmare-alley-1947.html):


Ted said...
Just need to add this...I was looking up "Nightmare Alley" at IMDB and saw this posted on the board. I'm very skeptical though. I wonder if this can be confirmed?

I saw the movie when it was released. This version deletes the scene towards the end where Power bites the head off the chicken. It's the thing he detests at the beginning of the movie. Why can't the film owners leave it alone. It was a shock then to see him do it I know. The 2 film historians who comment on the DVD do not even mention it. Guess they aren't really historians. Too bad. Tyrone Power was proud of that film.

[Fast Eddie]

Steve:

Regarding that guy who said he saw a version of NIGHTMARE ALLEY with Power biting the chicken's head off. ... He's full of s***. I have a copy of Coleen Gray's script for the film, and no such scene was ever included, or to my knowledge evebn written. It's ludicrous to imagine Hollywood ADDING something grotesque to a story they've already sanitized. It was not even in the book, just alluded to. The ending as it know stands is somewhat abbreviated from the ending Jules Furthman wrote, but its basically the same.

[Bob]

Thanks for setting this guy straight. I went into IMDb and left a post diplomatically letting him know he was mistaken. The nature of some of the comments on IMDb's forum are quite amusing. Some character claimed that maybe the reason they cut out the scene of Power the geek biting the head off a chicken was due to PETA!!! Peta in 1947? Uh, I don't think so.
Of course, if NA were re-made today, they could probably get someone like Nick Cage to bite the head off anything.

[Steve-O]

Thanks for setting this guy straight. I went into IMDb and left a post diplomatically letting him know he was mistaken. The nature of some of the comments on IMDb's forum are quite amusing. Some character claimed that maybe the reason they cut out the scene of Power the geek biting the head off a chicken was due to PETA!!! Peta in 1947? Uh, I don't think so.
Of course, if NA were re-made today, they could probably get someone like Nick Cage to bite the head off anything.

I thought the comments were on NOTW which at first surprised me -- I was happy they were on IMDB. I moderate NOTW comments closely and don't let garbage get posted... and there's lots of garbage that I don't let through. Snarky stuff. For every nice comment (like the one from Eric the Mailman for Night Editor (http://www.noiroftheweek.com/2010/05/night-editor-1946.html)) I get an anonymous "you guys are really scraping the bottom of the barrel." or "that's not a film noir!" comment every other day. Makes me really want to just stop the blog. Everyone is a critic...

[tterrace]

I thought the comments were on NOTW which at first surprised me -- I was happy they were on IMDB. I moderate NOTW comments closely and don't let garbage get posted... and there's lots of garbage that I don't let through. Snarky stuff. For every nice comment (like the one from Eric the Mailman for Night Editor (http://www.noiroftheweek.com/2010/05/night-editor-1946.html)) I get an anonymous "you guys are really scraping the bottom of the barrel." or "that's not a film noir!" comment every other day. Makes me really want to just stop the blog. Everyone is a critic...

Well, this place is certainly one of the all-too-rare oases in the wasteland of online ignorant, spiteful jabbering, and I appreciate your efforts in keeping it that way.

[Steve-O]

Eddie:

any word on future Studio DVD releases? And are extras now gone for good?

[Fast Eddie]

Eddie:

any word on future Studio DVD releases? And are extras now gone for good?

It certainly isn't likely that the studios are going to go BACK to including Special Features on whatever DVDs they issue ... while recent months have seen the release of some terrific titles, mostly from WB and Sony, I fear that -- as far as factory-distributed product goes -- it may be a last push before things change permanently. Definitely look for WB to release a great many more noir titles through the Warner Archive Collection; there are some great titles in the pipeline.

FE

[Frankie]

Uh, doesn't sound that good. I'm still hoping Sony will release a third (and probably final) Noir set. With Warner my only hope is that Noir Vol. 5 is selling that good that they're going to make a Vol. 6 but to be honest, I guess Noir Vol. 5 was their last Noir related box set.

[Raven]

Hey Eddie, I’ve been asked by a pal in England if there’s any chance of you soon appearing at a cinema in London doing a Noir Fest.

Thanks in advance for your reply and hope all’s well.

Raven (Dennis)

[Fast Eddie]

No plans for such at present, Raven. Presenting film festivals is a lot like being in organized crime ... you have to be respectful of people's territory. It's best to be invited in, if you want any support and assistance.

FE


Hey Eddie, I’ve been asked by a pal in England if there’s any chance of you soon appearing at a cinema in London doing a Noir Fest.

Thanks in advance for your reply and hope all’s well.

Raven (Dennis)

[Raven]

Eddie,

I’ll pass along your comments. I do know my pal has reached out to both Geoff Andrew, film programmer for the National Film Theater (British Film Institute) in London and Tony Earnshaw, author and film festival programmer (sound familiar) about their level of interest.

http://www.tonyearnshaw.com/

Dennis

[Steve-O]

"Ask Eddie Live" begins here in 10 minutes. Grab a cold one and stand by...

[Steve-O]

OK... it's time! Welcome Eddie.

This is the first time we've done a live chat. We will see how it goes. It's a pleasure to have the Czar of Noir here for Q&A.

Eddie: I see there are few things going on online... the Film Noir Foundation website has a new video archive. Sounds like a great idea. How has the response been?

[Fast Eddie]

So far I have no idea ... but we'll see. I'm glad to be doing this, Steve. Thanks for the chance.

[purenoir4nightpeople]

Dear Eddie,
First of all, thanks for everything you do!
O.K. My question is with regard to the scandal with Joan Bennett, since you seem to be the scandal expert. Bennett's husband shot and killed her lover, is that correct? Did he serve time for it, and what was the charge? Any extra info would be appectiated. Best regards---

[Steve-O]

Most of our readers here aren't active (they don't post). I know it's because they fear they don't know enough about noir to comment. What do you say to people new to this kind of film? I do notice there are younger viewers watching classic noir lately...

[Fast Eddie]

I hope that one of these days we'll be able to post a bunch of the interviews I did back in the early days, with the great guests I had the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.

[Fast Eddie]

I say DON'T BE SCARED ... I don't know that much, really. And it's all subjective anyway. Like Paul Schrader said when he blurbed my first book: "Edie Muller seriously takes noir not too seriously." But trying to preserve films, that I do take seriously.

[Steve-O]

Eddie, a question about Joan Bennett is above...

She's one of my favorites.

[Juke Joint Jonny]

Hey Eddie, Jon Noe here. What's the latest on the FNF restorations especially Too Late For Tears?

[Fast Eddie]

Dear Eddie,
First of all, thanks for everything you do!
O.K. My question is with regard to the scandal with Joan Bennett, since you seem to be the scandal expert. Bennett's husband shot and killed her lover, is that correct? Did he serve time for it, and what was the charge? Any extra info would be appectiated. Best regards---

No, Walter Wanger (Joan's hubby) shot her agent-lover Jennings Lang twice in the ass. He served a small amount of time, can't remember how much. They all lives happily ever after. So it's not as noir as it sounds, maybe.

[Christina Delassalle]

Well let's not all talk at once!

I want to know if you ever make it to Seattle if you'll come to our house and watch a few noirs with us and do a running commentary all the way through.

What is your favorite bowling alley/piano bar noir?

If you had to pick one film that really showcases the wonder that is Richard Widmark, what film would it be. Really I am having a hard time coming up with good questions. Maybe I need another stiff drink.

[Fast Eddie]

Hey Eddie, Jon Noe here. What's the latest on the FNF restorations especially Too Late For Tears?

Well, I hold out hope. Here's the story: We have three separate and distinct 35mm elements we have in our possession, but none of them is perfect. We know that there is another 35mm print out there, supposedly the best, but we cannot get the person who sold this print to a collector to reveal the name of the owner. UCLA is not thrilled about proceeding with an expensive restoration (and neither am I) without determining the value of this other print. It is frustrating. Collectors are great ... and collectors can be a huge pain in the ass.

[Steve-O]

Well let's not all talk at once!

I want to know if you ever make it to Seattle if you'll come to our house and watch a few noirs with us and do a running commentary all the way through.

What is your favorite bowling alley/piano bar noir?

If you had to pick one film that really showcases the wonder that is Richard Widmark, what film would it be. Really I am having a hard time coming up with good questions. Maybe I need another stiff drink.

Eddie's (and Kim Morgan's) commentary on the bowling great Road House is amazing. It's informative and fun. Alan Rode and Kim did a similar service to NY Confidential... "not to serious" but entertaining.

[Fast Eddie]

Well let's not all talk at once!

I want to know if you ever make it to Seattle if you'll come to our house and watch a few noirs with us and do a running commentary all the way through.

Yes, If you get me good and drunk.

What is your favorite bowling alley/piano bar noir?

Road House. Duh.

If you had to pick one film that really showcases the wonder that is Richard Widmark, what film would it be. Really I am having a hard time coming up with good questions. Maybe I need another stiff drink.

Night and the City. Ask me more, Christina.

[Fast Eddie]

Now I get it... when Steve instructed me (behind the scenes) to "remember to refresh" I thought he meant have another drink! I'll get the hang of this!

[purenoir4nightpeople]

O.K., here's another one, even though you didn't ask for one. How do you classify Touch Of Evil? Would you call it pure noir? I have a real problem with the ending, and that seems to ruin it for me, but I'd love to hear what you have to say about it. Thanks, again. Cindy

[Steve-O]

Eddie: We had a popular thread here a while back about over-rated noir. What popular film noir do you find ultimately disappointing?

[Juke Joint Jonny]

So with Too Late For Tears on hold anything else in the works? The Chase perhaps?

[Steve-O]

Now I get it... when Steve instructed me (behind the scenes) to "remember to refresh" I thought he meant have another drink! I'll get the hang of this!
oh... I'm drinking too. This could get ugly.

[Brian]

Do you know anything about how Arthur Loft died? I can't seem to find any bio info on him except that he was only 50 when he died.

[purenoir4nightpeople]

Keep drinking, guys! Have one for me. I'm having a blast!

[Fast Eddie]

O.K., here's another one, even though you didn't ask for one. How do you classify Touch Of Evil? Would you call it pure noir? I have a real problem with the ending, and that seems to ruin it for me, but I'd love to hear what you have to say about it. Thanks, again. Cindy

I have no problem considering TOUCH OF EVIL almost textbook noir. The ending is tragic or happy depending on who you think the story is about. For me, the story is really about Hank and Pete and their long history of corruption. Hank's demise is classic noir. I think Vargas comes into the picture merely as the instrument of Quinlan's demise. He's a plot device.

[Fast Eddie]

Eddie: We had a popular thread here a while back about over-rated noir. What popular film noir do you find ultimately disappointing?

Try as I might, I can't develop a fondness for KISS ME DEADLY. Ralph Meeker, sure. But the film is way overrated in my opinion. There are others. Let me thnk...

[purenoir4nightpeople]

Thanks for that. It makes it easier to put it in my Top Ten list. I guess I always looked at it as everyone's story, so after the tragedy, the 'happy ending' kind of threw me. Vargas and wife look way too untouched as they leave, but now I know how to get around that, so to speak, because I LOVE that movie.

[Fast Eddie]

So with Too Late For Tears on hold anything else in the works? The Chase perhaps?

Things are ALWAYS in the works. In the FNF world, the "home run" is finding a missing film and restoring it ourselves. But our work is full of base hits that might go overlooked: namely, convincing the studios to strike news prints of things they've neglected, or to pay for a restoration themselves. That what is happening with Anthony Mann's STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT. We were going to restore it, but Paramount stepped in and said "Hey, we still own the rights to that." So we said, "Great. Restore it." And they are.

[Steve-O]

Try as I might, I can't develop a fondness for KISS ME DEADLY. Ralph Meeker, sure. But the film is way overrated in my opinion. There are others. Let me thnk...
We've had a few disagreements about Kiss Me Deadly, Le cercle rouge (1970) and (slightly noir) Inception on the board lately. Some love, some hate.

[Fast Eddie]

Do you know anything about how Arthur Loft died? I can't seem to find any bio info on him except that he was only 50 when he died.

No idea. Gee, I hope I'm not the new Grim Reaper. What was he in? It was a Lang film, wasn't it? I mean the big one...

[Fast Eddie]

We've had a few disagreements about Kiss Me Deadly, Le cercle rouge (1970) and (slightly noir) Inception on the board lately. Some love, some hate.

Don't get me started on INCEPTION. Seriously.

[Fast Eddie]

Thanks for that. It makes it easier to put it in my Top Ten list. I guess I always looked at it as everyone's story, so after the tragedy, the 'happy ending' kind of threw me. Vargas and wife look way too untouched as they leave, but now I know how to get around that, so to speak, because I LOVE that movie.

You don't need me to justify loving a film... for God's sake, you're talking to a guy who thinks William Rostler's AGONY OF LOVE is actually a better film than Bunuel's BELLE DU JOUR!

[Steve-O]

No idea. Gee, I hope I'm not the new Grim Reaper. What was he in? It was a Lang film, wasn't it? I mean the big one...
Scarlet Street, right Brian?

[Brian]

Loft was in Woman In The Window, Scarlet Street, The Glass Key, Hangmen Also Die, This Gun For Hire, and Fly By Night.

[Fast Eddie]

Loft was in Woman In The Window, Scarlet Street, The Glass Key, Hangmen Also Die, This Gun For Hire, and Fly By Night.

Well, clearly, I'm gonna have to figure out what did this guy in...

[Fast Eddie]

Hey Johnny,

We WILL restore TOO LATE FOR TEARS, guaranteed. Just a question of when, and how pristine the preserved version will be.

[Steve-O]

What's the theme for next year's NOIR CITY? Any hints on what you'll be screening. The Film Forum is showing Inferno in 3D! this summer... by the way.

[Christina Delassalle]

Night and the City. Ask me more, Christina.Yeah that is a good choice, he was a pretty sympathic guy in that movie too. I think I like his Skip McCoy the best..well after Jefty that is, I really loved how Tommy Udo kept trying to come out in Jefty.

Do you think the beginning of the end of modern society started when men stopped wearing suits and fedoras? I think there is a direct connection!

[Fast Eddie]

Yeah that is a good choice, he was a pretty sympathic guy in that movie too. I think I like his Skip McCoy the best..well after Jefty that is, I really loved how Tommy Udo kept trying to come out in Jefty.

Do you think the beginning of the end of modern society started when men stopped wearing suits and fedoras? I think there is a direct connection!

Not quite. The end of modern society started when grown men started wearing baseball caps backwards.

[Juke Joint Jonny]

Let's talk noir fiction. Who are some of the best writers out there right now. I'm thinking of picking up some of Megan Abbot's books. Which should I start with?

[Christina Delassalle]

oh... I'm drinking too. This could get ugly.She was a charming middle-aged lady with a face like a bucket of mud. I gave her a drink. She was a gal who'd take a drink, if she had to knock you down to get the bottle.


Time to get this Cranberry juice back up on it's feet!

[Christina Delassalle]

Eddie's (and Kim Morgan's) commentary on the bowling great Road House is amazing. It's informative and fun. Alan Rode and Kim did a similar service to NY Confidential... "not to serious" but entertaining.YesIi love it! It is better than just watching the movie.

[Fast Eddie]

What's the theme for next year's NOIR CITY? Any hints on what you'll be screening. The Film Forum is showing Inferno in 3D! this summer... by the way.


I knew this was coming .... First, we have wanted to show INFERNO in 3D at the Castro for years, and have Rhonda there. Problem: the freaking screen is huge, and you need a special silver screen to project 3D. The Film Forum's screen is tiny. That was the first reason... We can't quite work out an equitable $$$ deal with the theatre, as it requires special yadda yadda yadda ... so, for noe, no INFERNO.

I can't really mention the theme, because I am superstitious. But there is a theme ... it is really hard to program these festivals and take EVERYTHING into account. Let me trigger some feedback here by pointing out how precarious the fate of 35mm is. To wit: there are LOTS of films in the WB vaults that I want to show in 35mm ... but they don't want theatres to do that anymore, especially if the films are being digitized for the Warner Archive Collection. "Just show the DVD," is a standard reply we get more and more these days.

[Christina Delassalle]

No idea. Gee, I hope I'm not the new Grim Reaper. What was he in? It was a Lang film, wasn't it? I mean the big one...Scarlet Street

Oh sorry I lost the plot...I am about 10 posts off now.

Have another smoke Lily!

[Brian]

How are things looking for dvd releases of The Prowler or Cry Danger?

[Fast Eddie]

Let's talk noir fiction. Who are some of the best writers out there right now. I'm thinking of picking up some of Megan Abbot's books. Which should I start with?


Ha. This is funny. I was just today doing an interview with Daniel Woodrell, who I think is one of the best writers, period, working today. WINTER'S BONE was adapted from his novel, and it grated a little on Daniel that nobody mentions the book in the reviews of the film. But when I starting talking about 'noir' with him, he cut the interview off, because he was so sick and tired of being considered a "noir" writer, and being lumped in the crime fiction category.

As for Megan Abbott, all the books have something to recommend them. For noir fans, QUEENPIN is probably the one, or THE SONG IS YOU.

[purenoir4nightpeople]

Well, uh, it appears that I do. It's just something about 'pure' and 'noir' and discussions, etc. If I can quote you, everyone will shut up!

[Fast Eddie]

How are things looking for dvd releases of The Prowler or Cry Danger?


Things are looking like a done deal. That's all I can say at the moment, because the company we're working with wants to play it up big. So let's keep this under our fedoras, OK.

Also, I have entered into a deal to co-produce a series of somewhat extravagant DVD packages specific to the Fernch market, like the superb two-film "Jeux de Lang" set that Wild Side Video recently out out. They also did DAY OF THE OUTLAW. All the special features that US companies have soured on, these guys do full-out.

[Fast Eddie]

She was a charming middle-aged lady with a face like a bucket of mud. I gave her a drink. She was a gal who'd take a drink, if she had to knock you down to get the bottle.


Time to get this Cranberry juice back up on it's feet!

I love how he asks for rum. So 1940s. Nobody drank vodka back then.

[Fast Eddie]

Well, uh, it appears that I do. It's just something about 'pure' and 'noir' and discussions, etc. If I can quote you, everyone will shut up!

You have my blessing.

[Fast Eddie]

YesIi love it! It is better than just watching the movie.

They should have videotaped it. Even more interesting.

[Steve-O]

if you had to choose favorites:

Bogart, Powell or Mitchum?

Garfield or Ladd?

[Raven]

Bogart!


Hey Eddie, following up my question a couple days ago about England, my pal has reached out to both Geoff Andrew, film programmer for the National Film Theater (British Film Institute) in London and Tony Earnshaw, author and film festival programmer (sound familiar) about their level of interest.

[Fast Eddie]

if you had to choose favorites:

Bogart, Powell or Mitchum?

Garfield or Ladd?

My god, Steve ... that's cruel. It's like playing Devil Take the Hindmost with a jazz ensemble. Throw out the bass? Or the drums? Lose the piano?

Definitely Garfield over Ladd ... although I'm developing a soft spot for Ladd since so many of his movies are disappearing. Can you believe that there are no prints anywhere of THE GREAT GATSBY (1949)? A film noir version of the "Great American Novel" and you can't see it on a movie screen anymore? WHAT???? And there are no 35mm prints of HELL ON FRISCO BAY, either ... which he produced. Based on a novel by William McGIvern, who only wrote THE BIG HEAT, SHIELD FOR MURDER, ROGUE COP, ODDS AGAINST TOMORROW... Lass has been done a MAJOR disservice.

[purenoir4nightpeople]

I have The Great Gatsby. Some place that used to selll had it, but they've been yanked, and are out of business. Other than those people, I've never seen it for sale.

[Fast Eddie]

Bogart!


Hey Eddie, following up my question a couple days ago about England, my pal has reached out to both Geoff Andrew, film programmer for the National Film Theater (British Film Institute) in London and Tony Earnshaw, author and film festival programmer (sound familiar) about their level of interest.

I have good relations with the British Film Institute and would be thrilled to do a festival over there ... but these things can be very territorial. There are a few noir experts already holding the fort in England, and they probably don't need me coming in there and stealing their thunder.

FYI, it looks definite for me and Philippe Garnier doing a rare noir series at the Cinematheque Francais in Paris in June, 2011. That will be FANTASTIC. A month-long series, I believe.

[Fast Eddie]

I have The Great Gatsby. Some place that used to selll had it, but they've been yanked, and are out of business. Other than those people, I've never seen it for sale.


Taped off TV, or factory product?

[Brian]

On the subject of noir fiction, any plans for a new Billy Nichols novel? I really enjoyed The Distance.

[Steve-O]

TRIVIA QUESTION COMING UP FOR A CHANCE TO WIN WB's Film Noir Classic Collection #5 DVD...

now back to our program.

[purenoir4nightpeople]

I think they got it from a European source, if I'm not mistaken. The quality is really quite good, actually.

[purenoir4nightpeople]

MITCH! (It's a girl thing)

[Christina Delassalle]

Your favortie Phillip Marlow ?

Dick Powell all the way for me baby.

[Fast Eddie]

On the subject of noir fiction, any plans for a new Billy Nichols novel? I really enjoyed The Distance.

Thanks, Brian. Yes, I am working on the third Billy Nichols books now. I'm about a third of the way through (so I think). Noir aficionados will enjoy it, I'm sure. Billy takes time out from covering a title fight in LA in 1951 to serve as technical consultant on a boxing film. Very much a stew of boxing, noir, witchhunt, organzied crime, etc.

[Fast Eddie]

MITCH! (It's a girl thing)

It's not just a girl thing, trust me. If you're ever in SF, check out the women's room at Tosca Cafe: a shrine to Mitchum.

[Fast Eddie]

Your favortie Phillip Marlow ?

Dick Powell all the way for me baby.

William Holden ... but he never got to play the part!

[Raven]

Eddie,

Bob and I were in Tosca a couple times during the SF fest but missed the ladies room!

[Brian]

That sounds great! I need to track down a copy of Shadow Boxer so I can read that first.

[Fast Eddie]

I think they got it from a European source, if I'm not mistaken. The quality is really quite good, actually.

Cherish it. And send me a copy. Is it VHS or DVD?

[Raven]

In fact we had Rainer (from Germany) in tow with us one night.

[Fast Eddie]

Eddie,

Bob and I were in Tosca a couple times during the SF fest but missed the ladies room!

You got the Marilyn wall instead. Don't complain.

[Steve-O]

Time to win the DVD box set

It's another episode of NAME THAT NOIR.

First person to tell me what movie this is wins the set. (notice the hats, Christina?)
http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/6430/screenshot2010081219h45.jpg

[purenoir4nightpeople]

You're funny! I'm acting as if I just found that out---I was rolling the other day from the commentary you and James Ellroy did for CRIMEWAVE, and that has to be the umpteenth time I've watched it.

[Fast Eddie]

That sounds great! I need to track down a copy of Shadow Boxer so I can read that first.

There's your premium for making a donation to the FNF! A signed copy of SHADOW BOXER. The woman in it is based on Gloria Grahame. NO ONE who has read it has recognized that the character shared the same name as Gloria's character in CROSSFIRE.

[Juke Joint Jonny]

Desperate?

[Fast Eddie]

Time to win the DVD box set

It's another episode of NAME THAT NOIR.

First person to tell me what movie this is wins the set. (notice the hats, Christina?)
http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/6430/screenshot2010081219h45.jpg

OK, I'm not gonna do it ... but I wish WB would send me these sets!

[Fast Eddie]

In fact we had Rainer (from Germany) in tow with us one night.

Does anybody stay in touch with him? He was great. That guy is a seriously committed noir fan! Or he should be seriously committed....

[Juke Joint Jonny]

My guess showed up before the pic. DESPARATE?

[Brian]

Armored Car Robbery?

[Steve-O]

OK, I'm not gonna do it ... but I wish WB would send me these sets!

You have to know the right people to get free stuff... Alan Rode would get this one...

[Fast Eddie]

You're funny! I'm acting as if I just found that out---I was rolling the other day from the commentary you and James Ellroy did for CRIMEWAVE, and that has to be the umpteenth time I've watched it.

I have never listened to that commentary, or any of the ones I've done. Just surviving cramped quarters with Ellroy is enough. Reliving it? Nah.

[Raven]

Bob and I both swap films with him on a regular basis. I'll pass along your regards.

[Steve-O]

Armored Car Robbery?
The man from FLA gets it! Great job, Brian. Send me a PM or email again with your address and I'll get it out to you.

[Juke Joint Jonny]

Aaaah, phooey, but good work Brian.

[Raven]

I spy a map of Long Beach (my home town) in the background, but not a clue.

[Steve-O]

Aaaah, phooey, but good work Brian.

I try to make these hard and people always get them quick...

The set is nice but the back of the DVD says this:


INCLUDES
Theatrical trailers on 2 titles

how sad is that extras list?

[Keith]

I was going to guess Armored Car Robbery, but it's okay I already bought the set. :(

[Raven]

How about a little something for (I'm guessing) the only one here who's actually been to a ball game at Wrigley Field in LA, where it was filmed?

[Fast Eddie]

The man from FLA gets it! Great job, Brian. Send me a PM or email again with your address and I'll get it out to you.

OK, here's a REAL trivia question: The guy standing up in the photo was signed to direct what Tab Hunter movie ... only to be replaced after one week by noir stalwart Phil Karlson? Who is the guy, and what is the movie?

[Steve-O]

How about a little something for (I'm guessing) the only one here who's actually been to a ball game at Wrigley Field in LA, where it was filmed?
the only reason I know there was a Wrigley Field in LA is because of this movie.

[Fast Eddie]

How about a little something for (I'm guessing) the only one here who's actually been to a ball game at Wrigley Field in LA, where it was filmed?

As long as you are not a Dodgers fan. What Pacific Coast League team did play there?

[Raven]

How about asking his shoe size too while you're at it?

[Raven]

LA Angels and I hate the Dodgers! Go Giants!

[Christina Delassalle]

Damn I was sure that was Charles McGraw but could not place the movie!

Way to go Brian!

[Fast Eddie]

LA Angels and I hate the Dodgers! Go Giants!

You are a gentleman, scholar, and upstanding American citizen!

[Ned]

Hello Eddie -

Are you at liberty to "hint" at some titles that may be coming soon in the WB archive series, Criterion, the wonderful new noir series from Olive Video. Paramount, & hopefully Universal? Is there anty talk of Columbia or the previously named companies getting into a "WB Archive" type of DVD line? Does WB currently hold the rights to all of the Allied Artists catalogue, and who currently owns the rights to the Republic catalogue? Many thanks for all the time & work you put in to help us broaden our passions.

Regards -
Ned

[Fast Eddie]

How about asking his shoe size too while you're at it?

Everybody knows THAT.

[Steve-O]

I was hoping this wouldn't become baseball talk after that Red Sox game today... talk about noir.

Eddie: I assume the movie is Gunman's Walk with Van Heflin.... now the actor/director is a tough one.

[Raven]

And this coming from the man I fought over the Maltise Falcon with during lunch at Jonh's Grill? High praise indeed!

[Christina Delassalle]

OK, here's a REAL trivia question: The guy standing up in the photo was signed to direct what Tab Hunter movie ... only to be replaced after one week by noir stalwart Phil Karlson? Who is the guy, and what is the movie?How about Don McGuire and the Tab Hunter movie was Gunman's Walk.

[Fast Eddie]

Hello Eddie -

Are you at liberty to "hint" at some titles that may be coming soon in the WB archive series, Criterion, the wonderful new noir series from Olive Video. Paramount, & hopefully Universal? Is there anty talk of Columbia or the previously named companies getting into a "WB Archive" type of DVD line? Does WB currently hold the rights to all of the Allied Artists catalogue, and who currently owns the rights to the Republic catalogue? Many thanks for all the time & work you put in to help us broaden our passions.

Regards -
Ned

I cannot hint at titles. But I can say that a great many things that we all want to see are in the pipeline. I want to go on record as saying that George Feltenstein, WB's classic catalog honcho, is one of the true heroes when it comes to preserving American film history. He is the right man for the job.

Yes, I believe that the WAC example will extend to other companies, as well. I suspect you'll see movement at Universal.

It is important for all film lovers to understand that two things prevent movies from being released on DVD: a meager financial incentive, and rights issues with certain titles. For example: don't look for THE DEVIL THUMBS A RIDE on DVD anytime soon. Because of underlying rights issues going back to the author of the original novel, WB has elected NOT to pursue this title. It has deposited all elements for this film in the Library of COngress. That does NOT mean that WB does not control the rights.

And not all films that were part of a company archive have the same rights set-up. So yes, WB holds MOST of the Allied Artists (previously Monogram) titles... but that doesn't mean ALL. It goes case by case. Paramount controls MOST of the Republic library, but not all ... but following the paper trail, when there is so little financial gain? THAT's the hard part of preserving film history...

[Steve-O]

..Raven gripped that black bird like he was Kasper Gutman...

20 minutes to go! Get your questions in..

[purenoir4nightpeople]

You see? This is why people are driven to buy 'unauthorized' copies from sellers on the internet. I, for one, would not have purchased THE DEVIL THUMBS A RIDE from the people I previously mentioned, had it been legitimately available.

[Steve-O]

You see? This is why people are driven to buy 'unauthorized' copies from sellers on the internet. I, for one, would not have purchased THE DEVIL THUMBS A RIDE from the people I previously mentioned, had it been legitimately available.
I treasure my "collector's copies"

My copy of the previously mentioned Strangers in the Night has Spanish subtitles through it...

[Raven]

Any chance of the following "lost noirs" ever surfacing.

City of Chance (1940)
Don't Gamble With Strangers (1946)
Fugitive Lady (1951)(Stradra buia, La)
Incident (1948)
Man of Courage (1943)
Scarlet Hour, The 1956)
Shed No Tears (1948)

[Christina Delassalle]

How about Don McGuire and the Tab Hunter movie was Gunman's Walk.

I got passed over.

I am having trouble keeping up because my Schnauzer keeps buggin' me to play ball.

[Fast Eddie]

How about Don McGuire and the Tab Hunter movie was Gunman's Walk.

Don McGuire is right ... but the movie was RIDE WITH WILD SURF. IMDb lists the director as Don Taylor, but that's not right. Tab told me that McGuire stared the movie, then went home when his father died. As a favor to Harry Cohn, Karlson came in to finish it, and took no credit. It reunited them from GUNMAN'S WALK (which is a great movie!)

[Fast Eddie]

Any chance of the following "lost noirs" ever surfacing.

City of Chance (1940)
Don't Gamble With Strangers (1946)
Fugitive Lady (1951)(Stradra buia, La)
Incident (1948)
Man of Courage (1943)
Scarlet Hour, The 1956)
Shed No Tears (1948)

There's a 35mm print of INCIDENT, I know that. I saw SHED NO TEARS at UCLA in a special screening. It's terrible, sad to say. Eagle-Lion... who knows where all those films are?

[Fast Eddie]

How about Don McGuire and the Tab Hunter movie was Gunman's Walk.

I got passed over.

I am having trouble keeping up because my Schnauzer keeps buggin' me to play ball.

I locked the cats in another room.

[purenoir4nightpeople]

If you put it that way, I'll fess up...I have lots of ''collector's copies'' Thank you, Eddie! I'll say bye, now. Best reagrds, and all that... Cindy

[Fast Eddie]

Cheers, CIndy! Nice chatting.

[Ashirg]

Good evening! I hope I'm not too late to ask a question. Do you know if there are any plans for TCM to have a month-long festival of noirs? They keep showing some excellent noirs, in fact The Prowler will debut in September, but they should have once in a while to have a whole month dedicated to noirs, preferably programmed by you. Perhaps even with some introductions recorded for prime-time films... Unfortunately, film noir festivals don't come down to Atlanta...

[Juke Joint Jonny]

So Eddie have a good time at Noir City Chicago. Any Seattle appearances before our next Noir City? Also I'll be in San Francisco Oct. 1-3, I'll be in touch.

[Christina Delassalle]

Don McGuire is right ... but the movie was RIDE WITH WILD SURF. IMDb lists the director as Don Taylor, but that's not right. Tab told me that McGuire stared the movie, then went home when his father died. As a favor to Harry Cohn, Karlson came in to finish it, and took no credit. It reunited them from GUNMAN'S WALK (which is a great movie!)Oh dang wrong movie.

Hey what do you think of John Waters! I thought the pairing of Tab Hunter and Divine in Polyester was pure genius! Also Paul Bartell's Lust in the Dust! Abel Wood..what a name!

Ok then, good night Eddie, what a hoot this was! Cheers!

[Raven]

Eddie, I'm out of here too. See you in SF come January if the snows not too high in Durango!

[Brian]

Will there be a Noir City DC this year?

[Steve-O]

Before we wrap up tonight.... I would like to remind everyone reading that you can become a member of the Film Noir Foundation at the website (http://www.filmnoirfoundation.org/). A small donation gets you membership (and a great, jam-packed newsletter)

Most of our regulars are already members but they need new members...

Eddie, anything you'd like to mention in closing?

[Fast Eddie]

Good evening! I hope I'm not too late to ask a question. Do you know if there are any plans for TCM to have a month-long festival of noirs? They keep showing some excellent noirs, in fact The Prowler will debut in September, but they should have once in a while to have a whole month dedicated to noirs, preferably programmed by you. Perhaps even with some introductions recorded for prime-time films... Unfortunately, film noir festivals don't come down to Atlanta...

Since many people have asked about this recently, I'll give some detail: TCM is fully aware of the Film Noir Foundation and Eddie Muller. It is not champing at the bit to have EM host a regular noir program; it is possible that EM will be part of a TCM film noir festival in the next couple of years. The gig I did in April with Bob Osborne was his own festival, not affiliated with TCM. (Bob is great btw!) THE PROWLER screening in September is using the restored version funded by the Film Noir Foundation -- but we have not been asked to participate because it was felt that it would confuse the issue, since the film is being used as part of a tribute to the UCLA Film & Television Archive. So I got kind of stuck there, politically. I couldn't say NO to our colleagues at UCLA, and TCM REALLY wanted THAT film as the centerpiece of the series ... but don't tape it! Wait till the DVD comes out with all the special features and audio commentary!

[Christina Delassalle]

Its quarter to three,
There's no one in the place cept you and me
So set em up joe
I got a little story I think you oughtta know

Were drinking my friend
To the end of a brief episode
So make it one for my baby
And one more for the road

I know the routine
Put another nickel in that there machine
Im feeling so bad
Wont you make the music easy and sad

I could tell you a lot
But you gotta to be true to your code
So make it one for my baby
And one more for the road

Youd never know it
But buddy Im a kind of poet
And Ive got a lot of things I wanna say
And if Im gloomy, please listen to me
Till it's all, all talked away

Well, that's how it goes
And joe I know you're gettin anxious to close
So thanks for the cheer
I hope you didn't mind
My bending your ear

But this torch that I found
Its gotta be drowned
Or it soon might explode
So make it one for my baby
And one more for the road

[Fast Eddie]

So Eddie have a good time at Noir City Chicago. Any Seattle appearances before our next Noir City? Also I'll be in San Francisco Oct. 1-3, I'll be in touch.

I'm not doing Chicago. I'm working on a novel. Alan Rode and Foster Hirsch will handle the hosting duties. Stick in SF for the big Bouchercon World Mystery Conference -- crime fiction writers and readers from all over the world, October 14-18. I'm the emcee!

[Fast Eddie]

Will there be a Noir City DC this year?

Yes. Schedule is being drawn up now.

[Fast Eddie]

Before we wrap up tonight.... I would like to remind everyone reading that you can become a member of the Film Noir Foundation at the website (http://www.filmnoirfoundation.org/). A small donation gets you membership (and a great, jam-packed newsletter)

Most of our regulars are already members but they need new members...

Eddie, anything you'd like to mention in closing?

Just that I'm proud to be part of what is a truly unique concept in restoring and preserving films, and that it is truly a grassroots effort. The corporation CANNOT do it, as amazing as that seems. It may not sound very noir, but: someone has to care for the orphans -- in this case the marginal movies that have slipped through the cracks. I'll get off the soapbox. Check out the FNF if you haven't. Thanks, Steve. Everyone should give a big hand -- or have another drink for -- the guy who does such a bang-up job -- out of pure enthusiasm and passion -- maintaining these great noir-centric sites. Kudos, brother!

[Steve-O]

Eddie: Thanks brother.

That's a wrap. Thanks everyone. It was fun (and we got some scoops!)

-Steve

[Juke Joint Jonny]

Steve-O Steve-O Steve-O

[Fast Eddie]

Oh dang wrong movie.

Hey what do you think of John Waters! I thought the pairing of Tab Hunter and Divine in Polyester was pure genius! Also Paul Bartell's Lust in the Dust! Abel Wood..what a name!

Ok then, good night Eddie, what a hoot this was! Cheers!

I enjoy and admire John very much. I had the pleasure of hanging out with him for a couple of hours in the back room of the aforementioned Tosca Cafe not that long ago. He is utterly charming and insanely bright and maybe the world's best storyteller.

[Christina Delassalle]

I enjoy and admire John very much. I had the pleasure of hanging out with him for a couple of hours in the back room of the aforementioned Tosca Cafe not that long ago. He is utterly charming and insanely bright and maybe the world's best storyteller.

I am envious. I agree, I am a huge fan of his work and him. He is just wickedly brilliant.


And thanks to both of you charming gentlemen, Steve-o and Eddie.

[Brian]

Thanks Eddie and Steve, that was a lot of fun!

[Christina Delassalle]

Desperate?Oh aren't we all just....




(sorry, reading the thread to see what I missed, seriously, Jetson is staying outside if we ever do this again)

[eubiecat]

Dad gummit! I got sidetracked and COMPLETELY FORGOT about this chat! Durn durn durn! Well, it was fun to read the postings slightly after the fact, anyhow...

[Bob]

Dad gummit! I got sidetracked and COMPLETELY FORGOT about this chat! Durn durn durn! Well, it was fun to read the postings slightly after the fact, anyhow...

Haha! That's my excuse too. I made a mental note earlier on Thursday to be ready 8PM (CST) and got so wrapped up copying films for other noir fiends (like Rainer) and watching the White Sox that I forgot all about it. I've gone back and enjoyed the discussion, and hope to see all the "usual suspects" again in SF in January.

[Raven]

Eddie,

Here's the lastest from London. Your take was dead on the money:

"Many thanks for your email, and apologies for the late reply; it's been a very busy week.

Thanks for the suggestion of a film noir season. I'll give it some thought and discuss it with our programming team, though I should advise you that we programme seasons very far ahead. I doubt we'd be able to afford to invite Eddie Muller over to host the season, but then we probably wouldn't need to as there are many noir enthusiasts around. (Indeed, one of the very first fairly long pieces of writing on film I myself did was an essay to go with a massive season of film noir I programmed at the Electric Cinema back in the 70s!)

Anyway, we'll give the idea some thought; thanks again.

Best regards,

Geoff Andrew"

[Mandrakegray]

Steve-O...

I think it's great you've managed to get Eddie to do this here... and how I regret not being able to chime in last night. I've been a huge fan of his books and commentaries for years now, and hope I can participate next time around. (I do have to admit I was a little crushed to read Eddie's take on KISS ME DEADLY however. It remains a personal fave of mine.)

Eddie...

Thanks for the scoops. Can't wait for THE PROWLER dvd!!!

[Rollo Tomasi]

Looking forward to a DVD/Blu-ray release of 'Cry Danger' (1951). Any info?

[Alan K. Rode]

Be patient.

[Frankie]

Let me add a question to Cry Danger. The movie is - even though marked as distributed by RKO - not part of the Warner library?

[Alan K. Rode]

Warner Brothers does not own the rights to Cry Danger

[Frankie]

I was asking myself how does the FNF decide which movie(s) to restore? Are there specific criterias like availability, quality of the existing prints and so on? Are you currently working on a movie? And finally is there a list of movies that have been restored through the FNF or with the help of the FNF?

[Fast Eddie]

I was asking myself how does the FNF decide which movie(s) to restore? Are there specific criterias like availability, quality of the existing prints and so on? Are you currently working on a movie? And finally is there a list of movies that have been restored through the FNF or with the help of the FNF?

Frankie,

There is all sorts of criteria used to determine what films we WANT to restore, and what films can BE restored. We try to balance the rarity of a film with its historical significance, its quality, and the availability and condition of source material. Sometimes it is necessary to resist the urge to restore something just for the sake of maintaining a schedule––this could lead to an unfortunate situation in which you have committed donors' money to a project only to have elements of a more worthwhile film suddenly be discovered. Another significant factor is the question of who holds the rights to the film. In some cases, we diplomatically try to persuade the rights holder that it is in their interest to preserve the film, i.e.: if you ensure there is a new print of the film, we will screen it at various noir festivals and pay you for the privilege. Typically, the films most likely to need our funding efforts are those that were independently produced back in the 1940s and 1950s––films like THE PROWLER and CRY DANGER and TOO LATE FOR TEARS. In the case of the latter, we are on indefinite hold because even though we have secured three 35mm prints of varying quality, we have reason to believe there is a pristine print in the possession of a private collector who, for whatever reason, wishes to remain anonymous. Since the three prints we have are all flawed in some way, we are hesitant to commit a great deal of our donors money to a very complicated restoration when things could be made much easier if we could “rent” this collector's print.

In a best case scenario, we are able to act as “lobbyists”––convincing the rights holder to at the very least make a new print of a film, ensuring that a 35mm print exists. We have managed to do this with films such as NOBODY LIVES FOREVER, THE WINDOW, SHAKEDOWN, JOHNNY STOOL PIGEON, NIGHT HAS 1000 EYES, ALIAS NICK BEAL, and STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT, among others. (And to answer your next question: this doesn't automatically mean that the film will ever emerge on DVD.)

Frankly, it is pretty amazing what we have been able to accomplish in a few short years, given that we have no corporate underwriting, nor are we operating under the auspices of a wealthy patron. Our funding comes entirely through ticket sales at NOIR CITY festivals (primarily San Francisco) and the donations of incredibly generous and dedicated donors, who number only in the hundreds. And this is possible, of course, because those of us who actually operate the foundation take no salary. All contributions go to the restoration and preservation of films.

I hope this answers some of your questions.

Eddie

[Bob]

Eddie -

At least the FNF got mentioned last night by the UCLA archivist after the screening of THE PROWLER on TCM. Having viewed this now about 4-5 times, I have to say that Van Heflin is one of the biggest schmucks in all of noir. He makes Widmark's Harry Fabian seem like a debonair happening kind of guy.
It’s incomprehensible trying to figure out why some collector would hoard TOO LATE FOR TEARS and not share it with the world.
It seems so damn selfish and more than a little perverse.

[Frankie]

Thanks for your answer, Eddie.

[SuperDanX]

Hi Eddie, just wondering if you have any more non fiction Film Noir books in the works? I've read Dark City, The Art of Noir, and I'm half way through Dark City Dames, enjoyed them all, great to read books on Film Noir that are entertaining, rather than dry academic essays.

[Fast Eddie]

Thanks, SuperDan. There are only two more books on noir that I'm interested in doing, but it remains to be seen if I ever will. They are both time consuming to research and prepare and quite frankly there are no publishers (at least in the US) that would be interested in doing them properly ... so the issue is whether or not I'll just do them myself in limited editions and perhaps as e-books. I don't want to discuss what they are, however ... don't want someone to steal the ideas (although it might be a moot point if I wait too long.) Producing the NOIR CITY e-magazine (and doing all the festivals) has sort of supplanted my own efforts these days. It's nice getting some valuable new voices in the mix.


Hi Eddie, just wondering if you have any more non fiction Film Noir books in the works? I've read Dark City, The Art of Noir, and I'm half way through Dark City Dames, enjoyed them all, great to read books on Film Noir that are entertaining, rather than dry academic essays.

[SuperDanX]

I hope they see the light of day at some point. Thanks for the response.

[Frankie]

Hi Eddie,

any news from the standard DVD Noir front?
We know Sony is doing a third Noir set, which is fantastic and I hope they don't abandon this plan. Will it be released in 2011?
I think we can conclude that Warner is done releasing Noirs on standard DVD, so are Fox and MGM.
What about Universal? They look like the most incosistent major and they're sitting on a ton of movies.
Can we expect more Paramount titles being licensed to indies like Olive Films?
Last but not least, when will Criterion start to release all the Robert Siodmak noirs? ;)

[Fast Eddie]

Hey Frankie,

Well, you seemed to cover every possible option there ... and I hate to be elusive, but the answer in every case is "nobody knows" -- not even the studios themselves. The market is just too volatile right now, at least the way the game is played in the United States. In France, for example, I've actually been given a contract (something unheard of in the States) to create a line of DVDs called "The Art of Noir" that is part of the Classics Confidential imprint produced by Wild Side Video. They are hardcover books with the DVD packaged inside. The first edition, THE PROWLER, will be released in October, with at least three more to follow. The difference is that Wild Side's head honcho, Manuel Chiche, thinks about films first, numbers second. He's a film-lover AND a very savvy businessman. He will produce a high-quality product and he will NOT lose money. I have been told many, many times by people in the home entertainment business here, that there simply are no longer enough zeroes in the profit estimates to generate any interest in putting out "special edition" DVDs and such. It seems to me that many studios will go the MOD route, following the Warner Archive model. I expect to see Universal doing that, as well. I believe the days of studios spending money on classic titles is over; they'd rather get the most they can out of the people who want them, without spending anything to make the product more attractive.

To my knowledge, Criterion has (or had) the rights to CRY OF THE CITY and THE FILE ON THELMA JORDON, but I have no idea if they plan to release either title. The rights to other Siodmak films are at various studios, mostly Universal. Although Disney has the rights to THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE.

EM


Hi Eddie,

any news from the standard DVD Noir front?
We know Sony is doing a third Noir set, which is fantastic and I hope they don't abandon this plan. Will it be released in 2011?
I think we can conclude that Warner is done releasing Noirs on standard DVD, so are Fox and MGM.
What about Universal? They look like the most incosistent major and they're sitting on a ton of movies.
Can we expect more Paramount titles being licensed to indies like Olive Films?
Last but not least, when will Criterion start to release all the Robert Siodmak noirs? ;)

[Frankie]

Thanks Eddie for your answer. Those Wild Side Video releases are very neat indeed. Unfortunately they tend to produce them with forced French subtitles which is very irritating to say the least. Their Wind Across the Everglades set looks so awesome but the subtitle thing keeps me away from buying it.

By the way the fact that you avoided my Sony question makes me a bit nervous, because Sony's Columbia Classics page is down for at least a month as well...:confused:

[Fast Eddie]

NOIR CITY X: Coming Soon

Here's a link to the trailer for next year's NOIR CITY festival in San Francisco. Check out the story below the video.

http://www.noircity.com/index.html

[Fast Eddie]

I believe that Sony is going to sell its MOD titles through the Warner Archive website. They're probably working out the kinks in that system.

[Steve Vincent Furness]

Eddie... As a long-time donor to FNF... I believe this January will be the year I begin attending Noir City. Just talked it over with my fiancé -- we're married in November -- and we are planning to take our honeymoon on the road to San Fran for Noir City! Cannot wait!

[Fast Eddie]

FANTASTIC! Be sure to say hello, Steve.


Eddie... As a long-time donor to FNF... I believe this January will be the year I begin attending Noir City. Just talked it over with my fiancé -- we're married in November -- and we are planning to take our honeymoon on the road to San Fran for Noir City! Cannot wait!

[Nighthawk]

Eddie,

Since MOD DVD-rs from both Warner Bros. and MGM have become the preferred method for these studios to release many noirs that might otherwise have never seen the light of day, one of the unfortunate consequences has been a complete lack of special features, such as commentaries from yourself or other noir experts on many top-shelf noirs that the studios might have included had they given many of these recent releases a more official, pressed DVD release.

This got me thinking recently about a viable alternative for those of us who love the insights presented through commentaries that you and other experts have provided on many previous, pressed DVD noir releases. Have you or any other film noir experts considered releasing independently-produced audio commentaries for any of the recent MOD releases from Warner or MGM, something akin to what the MST3K alums do with Rifftrax (except you wouldn't be mercilessly mocking the films in question)? In other words, you would produce a commentary track for, say, "High Wall" that we could then purchase, download, and play along with the film. I know that the market for something like this wouldn't be huge, and since I have absolutely no idea if/how much studios pay someone like you for a commentary track, it might not be economically viable for you do so, but if it was, would you consider doing something like this?

[tterrace]

Some Warner Archives releases are starting to have special features, including commentary, such as "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark." So maybe there's hope.

[Fast Eddie]

Nighthawk,

I have indeed considered the very alternative you suggest, but frankly, I doubt that I'd have the time to do it right. It was very serendipitous to have the studios come to ME with the pre-chosen film; if I had to pick which films I wanted to do tracks for I'd be immobilized. Too many. To be honest, the pay is not remotely commensurate with the effort required. Those casual-sounding tracks take lots of preparation and timing. I sincerely appreciate your interest, but I fear that if I headed down this road, I might not have time for anything else. But, in the interest of market research: what would a fan such as yourself realistically pay for a downloadable commentary track? Don't try to flatter me ... seriously, what would you pay? Then I might have an idea if the notion is even feasible.

EM




Eddie,

Since MOD DVD-rs from both Warner Bros. and MGM have become the preferred method for these studios to release many noirs that might otherwise have never seen the light of day, one of the unfortunate consequences has been a complete lack of special features, such as commentaries from yourself or other noir experts on many top-shelf noirs that the studios might have included had they given many of these recent releases a more official, pressed DVD release.

This got me thinking recently about a viable alternative for those of us who love the insights presented through commentaries that you and other experts have provided on many previous, pressed DVD noir releases. Have you or any other film noir experts considered releasing independently-produced audio commentaries for any of the recent MOD releases from Warner or MGM, something akin to what the MST3K alums do with Rifftrax (except you wouldn't be mercilessly mocking the films in question)? In other words, you would produce a commentary track for, say, "High Wall" that we could then purchase, download, and play along with the film. I know that the market for something like this wouldn't be huge, and since I have absolutely no idea if/how much studios pay someone like you for a commentary track, it might not be economically viable for you do so, but if it was, would you consider doing something like this?

[Nighthawk]

But, in the interest of market research: what would a fan such as yourself realistically pay for a downloadable commentary track? Don't try to flatter me ... seriously, what would you pay? Then I might have an idea if the notion is even feasible.

EM

First, thanks for answering. Second, I've heard stories of some directors doing an insane amount of prep work for their own films' commentaries--if memory serves, Frank Darabont claimed he spent nine months of prep work for his commentary on The Green Mile--so I can imagine it would take a while to prep all of the material for commentary on a film you didn't actually make.

As for what I would pay? I hadn't thought up a number, but after considering it--five dollars per track? I hope that doesn't come across as insulting; I don't have a clear method for pricing something like this, especially because I don't know the potential market size. I'm just basing this hypothetical price on hypothetical sales figures, thinking that if you sold 200 copies of an audio commentary for a film, you'd pocket $1,000. Whether that's comparable to what you get for the commentaries you've done under the employ of the studios in the past or not, I don't know.

Another factor would need to be the cost of the film + the cost of the commentary, and at what point the cost of the two combined would become prohibitively expensive for the admittedly niche market of those who might be interested, since many of the Warner Archive titles are actually more expensive than basically any noir DVDs other than those put out by the Criterion Collection. I also weighed this factor when coming up the five dollar figure. For example, the cheapest copy of "High Wall" on amazon.com is currently selling for $18 (including shipping), so the price plus commentary would be $23. I'd be willing to pay that much, and I hope many others would be as well, but I'm sure you'd need a larger sample size to determine level of interest, which would vary from film to film.

Which made me just think of something--could we put up a poll here on the forums to see, given several different options, which films would demand the most interest from those would pay for something like what we're discussing? That might help to give you at least somewhat of an idea for how much interest exists, as well as point you in a specific film's (or films') direction.

[Nighthawk]

Eddie,

I'm not sure if you can comment on this or not, but I figure it can't hurt to ask. Will you providing any extras for the upcoming Vol. III of Columbia Pictures Film Noir Classics?

[Steve Vincent Furness]

Eddie... how long until we can expect another Noir City Annual?

[cigar joe]

Nighthawk,

I have indeed considered the very alternative you suggest, but frankly, I doubt that I'd have the time to do it right. It was very serendipitous to have the studios come to ME with the pre-chosen film; if I had to pick which films I wanted to do tracks for I'd be immobilized. Too many. To be honest, the pay is not remotely commensurate with the effort required. Those casual-sounding tracks take lots of preparation and timing. I sincerely appreciate your interest, but I fear that if I headed down this road, I might not have time for anything else. But, in the interest of market research: what would a fan such as yourself realistically pay for a downloadable commentary track? Don't try to flatter me ... seriously, what would you pay? Then I might have an idea if the notion is even feasible.

EM

Yea $5.00 is reasonable, to tell you the truth I enjoy the commentaries almost as much as the films.