This past semester, I took a Film Noir class. I watched 17 classics in the genre for the first time. And they are…
“The Big Sleep” (1946) – Bogey and Bacall make for a winning pair.
“The Blue Dahlia” (1946) – For “Logan” fans, this one stars Alan Ladd (“Shane”) and for “Leave it to Beaver” fans, it co-stars Hugh Beaumont, who played dad Ward Cleaver.
“Body Heat” (1981) – Essentially a modern update of “Double Indemnity” (which I watched last semester, along with “The Maltese Falcon), William Hurt and Kathleen Turner steam-up the screen. And who knew Ted Danson could dance so well?
“Cape Fear” (1962) – Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum’s thriller still holds-up today.
“D.O.A.” (1949) – A standout, unique premise with complex results.
“Detour” (1945) – Fast-paced and unpredictable.
“Gun Crazy” (1950) – An inspiration for “Bonnie & Clyde”, I simply loved watching Peggy Cummins as a feisty sharpshooter and John Dall as her new lover with a troubled past. Maybe my favorite of the bunch.
“High Noon” (1952) – A close second is this emotionally powerful western with Gary Cooper at the center.
“The Hitch-hiker” (1953) – The concept is simple, yet the actors draw you in and keep you engaged.
“Mildred Pierce” (1945) – Joan Crawford is dynamite – what a role!
“Murder, My Sweet” (1944) – Dick Powell as Philip Marlowe (soon to be played by Liam Neeson in a film currently in development).
“Nosferatu” (1922) – A Noir entry even before the term “Noir” was coined.
“Notorious” (1946) – Hitchcock’s romance drama is moving thanks to Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman’s performances.
“Out of the Past” (1947) – Kirk Douglas chews-up the screen.
“The Postman Always Rings Twice” (1946) – A.K.A.: The Complications that Come with Owning a Diner.
“Scarlett Street” (1945) – Edward G. Robinson was one of the most versatile actors of this time period.
“Touch of Evil” (1945; viewed 1998 re-edited version) – Orson Welles’ controversial film is psychologically intense.