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
Films
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
NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 8
When you’re watching thirty-six films noirs over several months, all from the same year, not all of them can be Grade-A noir! The last trio was pretty rough, but I went into this next batch with high hopes – and a little anxiety, for amongst these titles was one “classic” film with which I did not get along … Continue reading NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 8
NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 7
Considering this month marks my tenth anniversary, one hopes that the next nine films on the list for our upcoming Noirvember ’55 draft would be bangers, every one of them! (Here’s the entire list.) Today’s trio, sadly, does not bode well! Murder Is My Beat The premise for this one sounds like something out of … Continue reading NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 7
NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 6
Today we reach the halfway point in our 36-film list of 1955 films noirs that Sergio Angelini compiled for our Noirvember draft. (Find the list here.) Sergio, Nick Cardillo and I are currently watching and evaluating each of these in order to present our Top 13 list to you. Today’s threesome includes a top favorite, one that … Continue reading NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 6
NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 4
Let’s return to the mean streets for three more of the thirty-six films noirs made in 1955 that the Noirmeister Sergio Angelini sent to Nick Cardillo and me so that we can determine the Top Thirteen during our Noirvember Draft. (Here is the complete list.) Warning: not every trio of movies can be a banger, folks! Today, I feel … Continue reading NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 4
FILM, FILIM, DIANYING, PELICULA: International Agatha Christie She Watched
If you come here often, you may have picked up that I love talking about movies. Sadly, the most fraught discussions tend to center around the adaptations of my very favorite subject - Agatha Christie. I can’t say I’m surprised: a conversation with the Dame herself would have elicited fervent emotions on the subject. Why shouldn’t her … Continue reading FILM, FILIM, DIANYING, PELICULA: International Agatha Christie She Watched
NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 3
I sure hope some of you are watching along with me as I take a crash course in 1955 film noir in preparation for the second annual Noirvember Draft I’ll be having with my buddies Sergio and Nick. So far, the views have ranged from terrific to terrible, which is exactly how the genre is supposed to … Continue reading NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 3
NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 2
I’m back with my thoughts on three more films from the big 1955 film noir list that Sergio Angelini, Nick Cardillo and I are watching in order to create our Top 13 Best Film Noirs of 1955. (Remember: I’m watching these films in alphabetical order. You can join me or simply sample the films that sound good … Continue reading NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 2
THE “GREATEST MYSTERY FILMS OF ALL TIME” DRAFT!!!
On Sunday, I met with my buddies Sergio Angelini and Nick Cardillo for our latest game of list-drafting. After tackling Christie, Hitchcock, Sherlock Holmes and Charlie Chan, we decided to broaden our focus on a more general look at the mystery genre in film. Each of us did our research and came together armed with … Continue reading THE “GREATEST MYSTERY FILMS OF ALL TIME” DRAFT!!!