Category Archives: Film Noir

My Review of ‘The Killing’ (1956)

Posted on August 1, 2019 by

This movie is notable in great part for its unusual narrative structure. Film noir icon Sterling Hayden plays ring leader Johnny Clay, who plans to pull that One Last Heist before going straight. Clay assembles a team of characters (of … Continue reading →

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My Review of ‘Woman on the Run’ (1950)

Posted on July 18, 2019 by

This is a most interesting entry into the film noir canon, particularly since the protagonist is female. And not a femme fatale. The woman in question is Eleanor Johnson (played with spirit by Ann Sheridan), and she’s on the run … Continue reading →

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My Review of ‘Shadow on the Wall’ (1950)

Posted on July 5, 2019 by

Okay, I should probably warn you that this review contains a bit of a retired lawyer’s/law librarian’s rant. But it’s for a noble purpose! 🙂 Anyhow, you’ve been warned. As psychological thrillers go, this one is as suspenseful as any. … Continue reading →

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My Review of ‘Nightmare Alley’ (1947)

Posted on May 30, 2019 by

WARNING: This review does contain SPOILERS! But they don’t ruin the movie experience, I don’t think. 🙂 This has to be one of the bleakest films noir I’ve ever seen. Based on a novel with the same name, the movie … Continue reading →

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The Day I Realized the ‘Perry Mason Guy’ Started as a Bad Guy

Posted on May 24, 2019 by

My first exposure to Raymond Burr was in his role as the Symbol of Justice that was Perry Mason. As a child, I was awed at his ability to dig the truth out of people by careful questioning and put … Continue reading →

Posted in Actors, B-Movies, Blogathan, Film Noir | Tagged , , , , | 20 Comments

Bette Davis in ‘The Letter’ (1940)

Posted on April 5, 2019 by

This film was the perfect vehicle for an actress like Bette Davis. It opens on a moonlit night in the tropics of Malaya. We are on a rubber plantation where the native workers play music or sleep in their outdoor … Continue reading →

Posted in Actors, Blogathan, Film Noir, Movie Reviews | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

My Review of ‘His Kind of Woman’ (1951)

Posted on January 10, 2019 by

This may be one of the most peculiar films noir I’ve seen. I mean that in the best sense, actually. Here’s the plot: Professional gambler Dan Milner (played by the awesome Robert Mitchum) has big problems. Believe it or not, … Continue reading →

Posted in Film Noir, Movie Reviews | Tagged , , | 6 Comments