It's a simple but relentlessly value-oriented formula for DVD release. Cull your library of classic genre films for cheaper release but instead of bargain binning them as barebones editions treat them with the respect they deserve. Not only is the Fox Film Noir series packaging fun but every film is supplied with a commentary track from a noted film historian or noir scholar. They are up to 15 releases now and though of course anyone would have their favorites I can safely say there isn't a dog in the bunch for anyone who wants to build a great Noir collection.
And one of the reasons is the well-rounded nature of the releases. Fox has picked unusual examples of Noir like Panic in the Streets and Nightmare Alley that tell their stories of crime against unexpected backdrops like carnivals and public health crisis. If anything these movies are often more compelling than their more typical counterparts not because they transcend the novelty of their situations but because they show how easily noir sensibility can be translated through any backdrop. The darkness invades the light, threatens everywhere.
This set of three films is no different. House on Telegraph Hill offers classic cliffhanger suspense rather than strict crime melodrama. Victoria Kowelska lives in a mansion with a fabulous view of San Francisco Bay. She has everything a woman could want, a devoted husband and child even a housekeeper. But she's haunted by a tragic past and frightening future when everyone around her is suddenly not who they seem. Film Historian Eddie Muller, editor of many great books on Noir, does the commentary and Richard Baseheart plays has a great turn as Victoria's husband. There are three separate stills galleries and a poster gallery- always a plus for any noir DVD.
Fallen Angel- was there ever a more noir title? What should be pretty simple stuff is elevated by the strong presence of star Dana Andrews and the production/direction of legend Otto Preminger . Two sisters are divided by a smooth talking conman while all the while a sly cop plays pokerfaced about who he thinks is playing who. Andrews was also the star of the only truly classic horror film of the 1950's Curse of the Demon his costars were fixtures of American film. Andrews's daughter and Eddie Muller provide commentary. There are also some still galleries.
No Way Out has the incredible cast of Richard Widmark and Sydney Poitier and is perhaps the most unusual of this latest series of entries. A white patient dies while under a black interns care and the man's racist brother decides to ruin the black mans career. It's an unusual scenario to be sure but one that provides the perfect opportunity to showcase the black and white racism theme against the backdrop noir's stark lighting and deep shadows. A Fox Movie Tone News reel and still gallery are offered along with a Muller Commentary.
Thanks for the review!
It's always good to see distributors releasing some of the lesser known noirs. Especially if they show some appreciation for art in these classics, rather than just exploiting the novelty of them.
Well, we've got a 5 month old son now - but also, tickets to the fest! So, we're going to bite the bullet and bring the kid along for his first C-stone. Trying to get through semirars, movies, and concerts with him (not to mention living in a tent) may end up being hell on wheels, but we're doing it! So yes, count me in. As soon as I locate the tickets, that is. Can't find 'em.
I'm wearing my stupid human suit, and you can't stop me.
As to what's being shown, and the supposed non-clue, I'll take the bait... Psycho!
(I mean the movie, not you. Oh heck, I mean you, too!) ;)
"Human suit" denotes either that movie, or "Texas Chainsaw Massacre". And something tells me that you're not going down that road. If so, this may be the year I hijack the mic, and give a lecture!!!!
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