Film Noir

On Dangerous Ground (1952)

By Alexander Inglis
Robert Ryan

Ida Lupino may have top billing but Robert Ryan walks away with this viewer’s admiration for his evolving portrayal of a cop close to the breaking point but whose humanity is restored through tragic… »

Thieves’ Highway (1949)

By Alexander Inglis
Jules Dassin, director of Thieves' Highway

The name Jules Dassin is not widely known, except to certain movie goers and film scholars, in no small part due to the rather small number of films he directed. But Dassin was not a tragic figure who died too young — his output, including director, writer, producer and even actor — is spread over… »

Railroaded! (1947)

By Alexander Inglis
John Ireland

Anthony Mann is often cited as one of the key budget film noir directors whose work helped define the style. Railroaded! (1947) surprises by its deftness, tautness and credible story telling. From top to bottom, here’s a first rate example of what can be done with… »

The Long Night (1947)

By Alexander Inglis
Henry Fonda, star of The Long Night

In The Long Night (1947), Henry Fonda plays an anti-hero in a genuine film noir: a recently returned serviceman from WWII, shoots and kills a travelling magician (Price) in the opening scene… »

Sudden Fear (1952)

By Alexander Inglis
Joan Crawford, star of Sudden Fear

Sudden Fear won nothing on Oscar Night 1953 yet it’s a cracker of a suspense thriller. Joan Crawford plays a very successful New York playwright is about to launch yet another smash hit when rugged looking youthful actor Jack Palance auditions for romantic lead… »