“But down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid. The detective in this kind of story must be such a man. He is the hero; he is everything. He must be a complete man and a common man and yet an unusual man. he … Continue reading THE CHANDLER’S TALE: In Which Bradley Spends Part of His Noirvember Pondering The Big Sleep
Film Noir
SHADOW DOCKET: Perry Mason and the Film Noir Connection
“Remember, remember, the fifth of Noirvember . . . “ Happy Guy Fawkes Day, everybody! How fitting that the foiling of this dastardly plot should have occurred in November, the month we have chosen to commemorate so many dastardly plots in film noir. I have a number of special posts prepared for you to celebrate … Continue reading SHADOW DOCKET: Perry Mason and the Film Noir Connection
CHECK OUT THE FALL ENSEMBLE: The Three Amigos Will Be Wearing Plaid
Despite our busy schedules, as author and podcaster (Sergio Angelini), author and actor (Nick Cardillo) and author, blogger, cat herder and book club moderator (yours truly), the Three Amigos frequently touch base, either to gather for a draft of great mysteries in film or literature, or to discuss what our next draft should be. This … Continue reading CHECK OUT THE FALL ENSEMBLE: The Three Amigos Will Be Wearing Plaid
MR. THORWALD IN THE GARDEN WITH THE HATBOX: Sergio and Brad Discuss Rear Window
If you are a true "Ah Sweet Mysterian" (yes, we've got our own cult name!), then you know that Rear Window is my favorite Alfred Hitchcock movie and maybe my favorite film of all time. I've mentioned it a lot and written about it extensively here. But I've never gotten to talk about it quite … Continue reading MR. THORWALD IN THE GARDEN WITH THE HATBOX: Sergio and Brad Discuss Rear Window
COMING UP! The Greatest Screen Sleuths Draft
“The important thing is the rhythm. Always have rhythm in your shaking. Now a Manhattan you shake to fox-trot time, a Bronx to two-step time, a dry martini you always shake to waltz time.” I love my buddies Sergio Angelini and Nick Cardillo. We are three lifelong mystery fans who are joined at the hip. … Continue reading COMING UP! The Greatest Screen Sleuths Draft
THE “MMM GOOD TRIFECTA”: Meta and Murder in the Movies
The latest class I’m taking at Stanford University is chock full of the stuff I love. In “Hollywood Looks at Itself,” we’re exploring films that turn a mirror on the art of filmmaking. Don’t let the fact that we started with Singin’ in the Rain fool you: most of the twenty films on this list are dark … Continue reading THE “MMM GOOD TRIFECTA”: Meta and Murder in the Movies
BRAD DONS A FEDORA
Next week, you will all find out the results of the Noirvember '55 draft being held this weekend with my friends, Sergio Angelini and Nick Cardillo. In a quick aside, if you can't get enough of film noir, you really should be listening to Sergio's podcast, Tipping My Fedora, where he talks to all sorts … Continue reading BRAD DONS A FEDORA
NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 12
At last we reach the final trio of films on our 36-title list of 1955 films noirs. What a ride it has been! A revisit to a few old favorites, a discovery of new delights . . . and a whole lot of titles that, out of kindness, I will simply say fit into a decidedly … Continue reading NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 12
NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 11
We’re coming close to the end of our 36-film list of films noir for our upcoming Noirvember draft. (Here’s the entire list.) And, as often happens when you reach the end, we’re finding ourselves at the bottom of the glass, swimming through the dregs. Women’s Prison There’s something special about a women’s prison picture, where a virtual … Continue reading NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 11
NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART TEN
We’re only a month away from our draft of the Top 13 Films Noirs of 1955. I’m busy compiling my list, and I’m sure my co-drafters Sergio Angelini and Nick Cardillo are doing the same. I’ve seen a few masterpieces, a lot of solid noir, and some real, er, dreck. The question is: what’s ahead for me in the final … Continue reading NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART TEN
