eubie: Criterion missed an opportunity when they released the original on DVD and Blue Ray. They should have put this one on the disc with it like they did for the Killers.
The last noir I watched was Calling Dr. Death... Mr. Chaney wasn't bad in it. It has all this crazy hypnotism stuff which immediately got me hooked. Love that stuff. Not a true noir and really cheap... but the DVD of it is crystal clear. I would recommend it for anyone that likes B-movies.
Those "Inner Sanctum Mysteries" are a hoot. I share your love of 1940s "psychological" baloney. The movies could spread it on pretty thick. Chaney eats up the scenery in all those "Inner Sanctum" films.Originally Posted by Steve-O
As for Criterion, with their Eclipse label, they could do "The Early Film Noirs of Joseph Losey," and throw in THE BIG NIGHT and THE PROWLER alongside M. These are significant noirs, and show the evolution of a unique film-making style. Hell, they did a Sam Fuller set... why not Losey?
And while I'm on this topic: last night's noir treat was 1952's WITHOUT WARNING. Whew--two noir serial killer movies in a row! I need a Shirley Temple movie now...
[No, I don't!] Like M, WITHOUT WARNING makes maximal use of the California landscape. It strongly evokes the rugged, desolate aspects of Los Angeles in the early 1950s. By placing its actions between the city and the scraggly countryside, it gives the viewer a striking display of the environment. And, for once, omniscient narration doesn't overwhelm the viewer. There are, as well, eerie similarities to Hitchcock's PSYCHO here and there. The film has a great musical score by Herschel Burke Gilbert and dynamite B&W cinematography by Joseph Biroc.
The Internet has proven so helpful for me, in being able to see many elusive noirs. I think I've found 30 or 40 noirs I had never seen--some which I'd lost hope of ever seeing--so far this year. Thanks, Internet!
Last edited by eubiecat; 05-28-2010 at 12:08 PM.
The internet has brought about a rennaisance in my film viewing, too. Especially the collector sites.
What I love about those Inner Sanctum films Chaney dd at Universal is the visual style. They are highly stylized endeavors. Sure the budgets are low, but it takes talent and application to accomplish that style. It's no little thing.
Richard
"Passion rules the arrow that flies."
Bob Dylan, 1986.
Alphaville (Godard – 1965)... merci Steve-O
Les Carabariniers (Godard 1963)
Elevator to the Gallows - Ascenseur pour l'échafaud (Malle 1958)
Night Nurse (1931) stars Barbara Stanwyck
'Roadhouse'
'Touch Of Evil'
'The Blue Dahlia'
Criss Cross (1949)
He Walked by Night (1948)
The Face Behind the Mask and The Maltese Falcon. Doesn't get much better than those two...
'Touch Of Evil', which never fails to dazzle.
Harper (1966)
Stars Paul Newman as private dick Lew Harper (Lew Archer in Ross Macdonald’s who dunit novel ‘The Moving Target.’) Also includes Lauren Bacall, Janet Leigh and Shelley Winters. The book is better than the film.
Last edited by Hard-Boiled-Rick; 05-31-2010 at 11:27 AM.
No Orchids for Miss Blandish (1948) - An odd but entertaining film. I enjoyed this very pulpy 'gangster' picture with noir overtones. Mostly consisting of British actors playing Americans except for Jack La Rue who plays gangster Slim Grisson (the role was originally offered to George Raft while he was in England but turned it down when Jane Russell couldn't play Miss Blandish). The film was considered controversial for it's time, but tame compared to today but it does have a high body count. The ending was very appropriate. VCI did a great job with the DVD release, I hope they continue with their upcoming releases, especially New York Confidential.
Last edited by Keith; 05-30-2010 at 09:57 PM.
Le doulos (1962) - Brutal, gritty, excellent French film.
The preview cut of Touch of Evil. Never seen that version before. Once again I'm dazzled. We are fortunate to have three versions, and each one sizzles on the griddle.
Farewell, My Lovely with Robert Mitchum and Charlotte Rampling. She has the best line in the film and it's right out of the book. Why isn't there a decent transfer on DVD. Charlotte Rampling is in this. Controlled and heavily saturated color. Charlotte Rampling steals the film in only two brief scenes ... or is it three. Drips with nostalgia. Charlotte Rampling probably shot all her scenes in a day. Maybe two days. Good idea to change the doctor to a hefty Madame who can throw a punch. Did I mention Charlotte Rampling is in this?
Richard
"Passion rules the arrow that flies."
Bob Dylan, 1986.
I'm halfway through the noirish 'Portrait In Black'.. ugh. It's so overwrought, so soapy.
I think I'll pop in 'Caged' this w/e to cleanse the palate.
'Caged'', which is a very solid noir.
Saw the 1978 version of Invasion of the Body Snatcher in a movie theater! What a great film. I love how they have Kevin McCarthy run out on the street like it's some sort of extension of the original film. A great remake (despite a weak third act).
Also watched African Queen on TCM. Bogie and Hepburn at their peaks. Not noir but a great film that looks better than ever now on TV (must be the print they're using for the new DVD). Fantastic.
Nikkatsu Noir Eclipse Series 17 – Japanese noir new waves:
I Am Waiting (1957)
Rusty Knife (1958)
Take Aim at the Police Van (1960)
Cruel Gun Story (1964)
A Colt is My Passport (1967)
Forbidden Hollywood Series – Pre code Hollywood:
Baby Face (1933)
Red Headed Woman (1932)
Night Nurse (1931)
Three on a Match (1932)
A Free Soul (1931)
American cinema never lost its innocence with film noir. The moral ambiguity of pre code Hollywood proves American cinema never had it to begin with.
Cosh Boy--amazing violence and nastiness really for a 50s film
"Don't give me that love stuff."
'Un Flic'. Lower-than-top shelf Melville..
Too rainy this weekend to do anything but hunker down with whatever was within easy reach...
'The Power of the Whistler'
'The Secret in Their Eyes'
'The Street Thief'
'Greed in the Sun'
'The Gun Runners'
All passed with decent grades except 'Greed in the Sun', a Lino Ventura/ Jean-Paul Belmondo adventure/ buddy flick which seldom failed to take its audience for granted.
Last edited by Night Editor; 06-07-2010 at 01:54 AM.
Observant.
A quotable quote I shall remember.
Richard
"Passion rules the arrow that flies."
Bob Dylan, 1986.
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote