Tag Archives: film noir

January 2026 Viewing Diary

The Sound of Falling (2026; d. Mascha Schilinski) It took me a couple of days to shake off the effect of The Sound of Falling. I saw it at a screening room on 29th Street. I knew very little about … Continue reading

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“I simply love this business. That’s all.” — Dana Andrews

To those who watch “old” movies, Dana Andrews is a familiar figure and everyone knows how great he was. But his name recognition is almost nil outside of that niche community, although a lot of people have seen Best Years … Continue reading

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“My ambition is to be an actress. Hollywood had no parts for me.”—Theresa Harris

It’s her birthday today. Criminally, Theresa Harris often went uncredited in the films she appeared in. Nevertheless, she always made an impression. She is probably most well-known now for her unforgettable and realistic performance in the pre-Code Baby Face, as … Continue reading

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5 Things About Peggy Cummins in Gun Crazy

It’s her birthday today. 5 Things About Peggy Cummins in Gun Crazy Introduction Joseph Lewis’ brilliant, erotic, and influential Gun Crazy was originally called Deadly Is the Female (which could be an alternate title for almost every film noir ever … Continue reading

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“I’m not a yesterday’s woman. I’m a tomorrow’s woman.” — Barbara Stanwyck

A real actor’s actor. She was great from the start. She was tough and practical. She didn’t have to act that. She also had deep wells of feeling, and she didn’t have to reach. She could break your heart and … Continue reading

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“I never made a message picture, and I hope I never do.” — Howard Hawks

It’s his birthday today. My favorite director. I’ve written so much about his movies, here and elsewhere, it’d be too much to link to all of it. I’ve seen it all. Only Angels Have Wings is my favorite movie ever … Continue reading

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November 2024 Viewing Diary

Stranger Things, Season 2, episodes 5, 6, 7 (2016) Continuing the very slow “binge” watch with my niece Lucy, and having so much fun. She gets such a kick out of showing it to me. She knows every moment and … Continue reading

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June 2024 Viewing Diary

Sunset Boulevard (1950; d. Billy Wilder) I had so much fun discussing Sunset Boulevard with the audience after the screening at Jacob Burns Film Center. I’ll be doing another one in August, after Billy Wilder’s The Apartment. The audience was … Continue reading

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April 2024 Viewing Diary

To Be or Not to Be (1942; d. Ernst Lubitsch) It’s 82 years later. 82 years. And it’s still a little bit shocking this film even exists. The film lampoons Nazis, and Hitler, and tyranny, which – in 1942 – … Continue reading

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March 2024 Viewing Diary

Conspiracy (2001; d. Frank Pierson) I went down a little Wannsee Conference rabbit hole so figured I’d re-watch this chilling nasty little movie. Lured (1947; d. Douglas Sirk) I had never seen this. I love discovering new Douglas Sirks! This … Continue reading

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