For a special Halloween episode, Marc and Dan welcome back Clay McCormack, a cohost of the Rotten Horror Picture Show podcast, to discuss the intersection of film noir and horror. The conversation dives into the visual and thematic connections between the two areas, specifically tracing their roots back to German Expressionism. They also highlight the influence of historical events on cinematic styles and the crossover of talent between horror and noir films. The episode also touches on the evolution of horror and noir, the role of budget constraints in creative filmmaking, and the enduring appeal of these films. Happy Halloween!

Join Marc and Dan as they break down The Narrow Margin, one of the ultimate displays of B-Noir. Efficient narrative progression and character development. Crackerjack dialogue expertly delivered by McGraw and Windsor. And nearly nonstop, heart-pounding suspense, make the film itself feel like a fast-moving train. Beautifully photographed and filled with noir themes and sensibility, it’s amazing to see how good a movie can be on a low budget.

Shadows of Noir is heading to the train yard with Human Desire from 1954. Directed by Fritz Lang and featuring an astounding performance from Gloria Grahame, this film may be a lot more interesting and complex than it initially seems. Join Marc and Dan as they take a deeper look!

From Criss Cross to Christopher Cross, Marc and Dan are continuing on with another heavy hitter. Released in late 1945 and directed/produced by Fritz Lang, Scarlet Street epitomizes many themes and characters that are central to film noir. And with a top-tier cast headlined by Edward G. Robinson, Joan Bennett, and Dan Duryea, it's clear why this one gets so much attention amongst film noir enthusiasts.  

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Criss Cross is a film noir often discussed and appreciated, and for good reason. Directed by the great Robert Siodmak, and starring Burt Lancaster, Yvonne De Carlo, and Dan Duryea, few other movies epitomize the feeling of film noir as well as this one all the way through to the final frame. Join Marc and Dan as they break down this essential from 1949!

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Los Angeles's Bunker Hill: https://shadowsofnoir.com/product/los-angeless-bunker-hill-pulp-fictions-mean-streets-and-film-noirs-ground-zero/

Burt Lancaster Biography: https://shadowsofnoir.com/product/burt-lancaster-an-american-life/

Dan Duryea Biography: https://shadowsofnoir.com/product/dan-duryea-heel-with-a-heart/

NEXT EPISODE: SCARLET STREET (1945)

Join Marc and Dan as they rewind back to the early years of film noir's development with This Gun for Hire. Released only months after the United States entered WWII and photographed by the great John Seitz, This Gun for Hire is an important film in the noir canon for several reasons. Tune in for an in-depth review of the film and why it matters for all the noir nerds out there!

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Gather around folks, it's time to hear all about Stanton Carlisle, Zeena, and the rest of the Nightmare Alley crew as Marc and Dan move into the darkest corner of film noir's classic era. With its history, performances, visual makeup, character depth, themes, and messages, the original film version of Nightmare Alley truly stands the test of time. You won't want to miss this one!

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From the gritty, hard-boiled story by Cornell Woolrich, to the vision and expert coordination of producer Joan Harrison, to the masterful execution of director Robert Siodmak, Phantom Lady seemed to be destined for film noir history. Join Marc and Dan as they discuss this classic that not only stands tall on its own merits, but also holds an important place in the evolution of film noir's classic era.

https://shadowsofnoir.com/

What do you get when you pair Akira Kurosawa with the world of film noir? You get BIG questions posed in a masterful way. Join Marc and Dan as they explore Stray Dog from 1949. A simple noir story done a little differently than the American noirs of the late 1940s, but one that gets you contemplating some deep philosophical ideas.

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Join Marc and Dan as they dive headfirst into the world of Raymond Chandler with Murder, My Sweet from 1944. Based on Chandler's 1940 novel Farewell, My Lovely, it features one of the most iconic private eyes in all of crime literature/film, Philip Marlowe. Murder, My Sweet was monumental for the role in played in film noir's "discovery" by French film critics in 1946, and it's a discussion you certainly won't want to miss.

Shadows of Noir is also pleased to announce the noir book section of the website as well! There are source novels, reference books, and biographies for sale on the website, including several that relate to Murder, My Sweet directly. Check them out here!

Farewell, My Lovely

Raymond Chandler: A Biography

Creatures of Darkness: Raymond Chandler Detective Fiction and Film Noir

Dick Powell: A One-Person Play in Two Acts

Caught in the Crossfire: Adrian Scott and the Politics of Americanism in 1940s Hollywood