Tag Archives: film noir

3 things about Fernando Ayala’s THE BITTER STEMS

The Bitter Stems [1956] 1. Looking through the window of the train into the past. 2. A strategically loud orchestra. 3. Shallow planting.

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3 things about Samuel Fuller’s THE CRIMSON KIMONO

The Crimson Kimono [1959] 1. Making coffee in a paint can. 2. Both detectives are kendo champions. 3. An ex-librarian on the run.

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3 things about John Gilling’s PICKUP ALLEY

Pickup Alley [1957] 1. The way Trevor Howard says “honey” is deeply unnerving. 2. Panicky dope fix prep. 3. Taking a blowtorch to the back of the fridge.

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3 things about Charles Vidor’s LADIES IN RETIREMENT

Ladies in Retirement [1941] 1. Revulsion at Gilbert & Sullivan. 2. An umbrella stand becomes a giant vase for bulrushes. 3. They remark that they just observed Albert playing a game of tag with several gentlemen.

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3 things about Lew Landers’ MAN IN THE DARK

Man in the Dark [1953] 1. Surgical implements coming right at you. 2. Carnival ride shootout. 3. A slip of paper with 1133 written on it.

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3 things about Robert Siodmak’s THE FILE ON THELMA JORDON

The File on Thelma Jordon [1949] 1. Erasing then reapplying fingerprints. 2. No hangover the next day? Come on. 3. Gloved hand drawing the eyelids closed.

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3 things about William Conrad’s BRAINSTORM

Brainstorm [1965] 1. She flips a switch and reveals the hidden observation room. 2. “I’m a loser. Forget about me.” 3. Richard Kiel as an inmate. He places his giant hand across Jeffrey Hunter’s mouth.

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3 things about Alfred L. Werker’s REPEAT PERFORMANCE

Repeat Performance [1947] 1. “Dear William. You’ve had a bad year too, haven’t you? A terrible year.” “It hasn’t been good.” 2. Giant rainshadows across the wall in the asylum’s visiting room. 3. Alone in bed in the dark, tensely … Continue reading

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3 things about Robert Montgomery’s LADY IN THE LAKE

Lady in the Lake [1946] 1. “I wonder how it would be to discuss this over a couple of ice cubes. Would you care to try?” 2. Dragging himself along on his hands and knees. 3. “Kill him! Hello, honey. … Continue reading

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3 things about Jules Dassin’s BRUTE FORCE

3 things about Jules Dassin’s Brute Force [1947] 1. Note hidden in a sandwich, which he eats. 2. Wagner as the soundtrack to a beating. 3. “I won’t sign it!” Less than sixty seconds later, he signs it.

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