My Favorite Noir Films

A friend of mine just asked me for a list of my favorite Noirs. In coming up with the list off the top of my head I thought I might just as well post it. I have mixed Noirs and Neo-Noirs together here. Also, arbitrarily left off SUNSET BLVD, DOUBLE INDEMNITY and TOUCH OF EVIL. Love them all but opted to list others. I'm sure I missed some though, so I'll be adding to the list.





1. THE LONG GOODBYE(1973; Robert Altman)
2. THE MALTESE FALCON(1941; John Huston)
3. OUT OF THE PAST(1947; Jacques Tourneur)
4. THE KILLING(1956; Stanley Kubrick)
5. NIGHT OF THE HUNTER(1955; Charles Laughton)
6. DETOUR(1945; Edgar G. Ulmer)
7. GUN CRAZY(1950; Joseph H. Lewis)
8. LAURA(1944; Otto Preminger)
9. HIS KIND OF WOMAN(1951; John Farrow)
10. RIDE THE PINK HORSE(1947; Robert Montgomery)
11. CRIME WAVE(1954; Andre De Toth)
12. ANGEL FACE(1952; Otto Preminger)
13. SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS(1957; Alexander Mackendrick)
14. CHINATOWN(1974; Roman Polanski)
15. THE BIG SLEEP(1946; Howard Hawks)
16. NIGHTMARE ALLEY(1947; Edmund Goulding)
17. IN A LONELY PLACE(1950; Nicholas Ray)
18. PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET(1953; Sam Fuller)
19. THE BIG HEAT(1953; Fritz Lang)
20. THE VERDICT(1946; Don Siegel)
21. KISS ME DEADLY(1955; Robert Aldrich)
22. THEY LIVE BY NIGHT(1949; Nicholas Ray)
23. THIEVES HIGHWAY(1949; Jules Dassin)
24. PHANTOM LADY(1944; Robert Siodmak)
25. HE RAN ALL THE WAY(1951; John Berry)
26. ACE IN THE HOLE(1951; Billy Wilder)
27. THE LINEUP(1958; Don Siegel)
28. WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS(1950; Otto Preminger)
29. THE BIG COMBO(1955; Joseph H. Lewis)
30. KANSAS CITY CONFIDENTIAL(1952; Phil Karlson)
31. NIGHTFALL(1957; Jacques Tourneur)
32. 99 RIVER STREET(1953; Phil Karlson)
33. THE LETTER(1940; William Wyler)
34. ANOTHER MAN'S POISON(1951; Irving Rapper)
35. SCARLET STREET(1945; Fritz Lang)
36. HANGOVER SQUARE(1945; John Brahm)
37. THE BIG CLOCK(1948; John Farrow)
38. FORCE OF EVIL(1948; Abraham Polonsky)
39. MILDRED PIERCE(1945; Michael Curtiz)
40. BODY HEAT(1981; Lawrence Kasdan)
41. PLUNDER ROAD(1957; Hubert Cornfield)
42. TRY AND GET ME(1950; Cy Endfield)
43. THE BRIBE(1949; Robert Z. Leonard)
44. HE WALKED BY NIGHT(1948; Alfred L. Werker)
45. BLOOD SIMPLE(1984; Joel Coen)

List of Films and Books

Been re-listening to the GGTMC interviews I've done so far and trying to make notes of the films and books that were mentioned in each. I will update this post as I go, but below is a listing of all the films and books referenced in the posted interviews(some titles were only mentioned in passing, others were discussed). Each title is linked to a listing on IMDB, Wikipedia, Trailers From Hell or Amazon(books).


Josh Olson Interview:

Films mentioned: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE(2005), INFESTED(2002), THE BIG CHILL(1983), A BOY AND HIS DOG(1975), ACE IN THE HOLE(1951), BATMAN(1966), BLACK CHRISTMAS(1974), BLOW OUT(1981), BRING ME THE HEAD OF ALFREDO GARCIA(1974), CHARLEY VARRICK(1973), FREEBIE AND THE BEAN(1974), THE HOWLING(1981), IT'S ALIVE(1974), KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE(1977), MS. 45(1981), RACE WITH THE DEVIL(1975), SORCERER(1977), STRAW DOGS(1971), THE LONG GOODBYE(1973), THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE(1974), THE WARRIORS(1979), THE WILD BUNCH(1969), THE HOUSE THAT DRIPPED BLOOD(1971), HELP!(1965), THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING(1966), THE FRIENDS OF EDDIE COYLE(1973), PRETTY POISON(1968), THE AFRICAN QUEEN(1951), NEW YORK CONFIDENTIAL(1955), 99 RIVER STREET(1953), PEEPING TOM(1960), METROPOLIS(1927), DREAMS WITH SHARP TEETH(2008), GRIZZLY MAN(2005) , AGUIRRE: THE WRATH OF GOD(1972), BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL-NEW ORLEANS(2009), ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST(1968), BAD RONALD(1974), RIDING THE BUS WITH MY SISTER(2005), MASTERS OF THE UNVIERSE(1987) , THE KING OF COMEDY(1982), OVER THE EDGE(1979), EMPEROR OF THE NORTH(1973), THE CONVERSATION(1974), FASTER PUSSYCAT! KILL! KILL!(1965), DIARY OF A MAD HOUSEWIFE(1970), THE MARRIAGE OF A YOUNG STOCKBROCKER(1971), PLAY IT AS IT LAYS(1972), RANCHO DELUXE(1975).

Books mentioned:
The Psychotronic Encyclopedia of Film(Michael J. Weldon), The Psychotronic Video Guide to Film(Michael J. Weldon), Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide(Leonard Maltin)



Lars Nilsen Interview:
Films mentioned: ROAD TO SALINA(1970), SURF II(1984), CARNIVAL MAGIC(1981), JULIE DARLING(1983), POOR PRETTY EDDIE(1975), PSYCHO FROM TEXAS(1975), MEATBALLS III: SUMMER JOB(1986), SCANNERS II: THE NEW ORDER(1991), HEAVY METAL SUMMER(aka STATE PARK)(1988), SUPERFLY(1972), GATOR BAIT(1974), ORGY OF THE DEAD(1965), LADY TERMINATOR(1988), MOONLIGHTING WIVES(1966), SLAUGHTERHOUSE ROCK(1988), DRACULA: PRINCE OF DARKNESS(1966), DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE(1968), ISLAND OF LOST SOULS(1932), THE MUMMY(1932), RICCO THE MEAN MACHINE(1973), PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE(1958), DOLEMITE(1975), THE CORPSE GRINDERS(1971), HORROR EXPRESS(1972), BARBED WIRE DOLLS(1975), MIDNIGHT MADNESS(1980), ALABAMA'S GHOST(1973), INVASION OF THE GIRL SNATCHERS(1973), JOY HOUSE(1964), DIABOLICALLY YOURS(1967), SEX IS CRAZY(1981), LADY FROM SHANGHAI(1947), TOUCH OF EVIL(1958), ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST(1968), VIOLENT CITY(1970), OUT OF THE PAST(1947), RIDER ON THE RAIN(1970), LA MALA ORDINA/THE ITALIAN CONNECTION(1972), THE ANIMALS(aka FIVE SAVAGE MEN)(1970), CHAINED HEAT(1983), SHOCK WAVES(1977), THE NORLISS TAPES(1973), DRACULA(1973), REFLECTIONS OF MURDER(1974), BAD RONALD(1974), FER-DE-LANCE(1974), ALL THE KIND STRANGERS(1974).


Books mentioned: Overlook Film Encyclopedia: Horror(Phil Hardy), Overlook Film Encyclopedia: Science Fiction(Phil Hardy), Overlook Film Encyclopedia: The Western(Phil Hardy), Overlook Film Encyclopedia: The Gangster Film(Phil Hardy), The Psychotronic Encyclopedia of Film(Michael J. Weldon), The Psychotronic Video Guide to Film(Michael J. Weldon), Immoral Tales: European Sex & Horror Movies 1956-1984(Pete Tombs), Mondo Macabro: Weird Wonderful Cinema Around the World(Pete Tombs), Cult Movies 1, 2, 3(Danny Peary), Great Monsters of the Movies(Edward Edelson).

Lars Nilsen Interview/ROAD TO SALINA(1970)

I recently had the honor of interviewing one Lars Nilsen, head programmer extraordinaire down at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, TX. I had a great time interviewing him for the GGTMC podcast and you can hear our conversation here. Lars is one hell of a cool guy and possessed of a remarkable knowledge of cinema that knows little bounds. I have been a fan of his Weird Wednesday series for a while. Though I've never been to one of those screenings(merely because of geography), I make a point of carefully looking over each new calendar he releases. I can't recommend enough that you make a point of it yourself. So in addressing one of the questions I posed, he noted a few of his "holy grail" films(which I'll leave you to listen to in the interview). These were films that are largely unavailable and rarely screen that he would very much like to find prints for. After the interview was over, he contacted me to revise said grail film. He said that he would choose Georges Lautner's 1970 film ROAD TO SALINA. I wanted to make a little note about this choice here for anyone who might read this to help promote this little seen wonder of a film. I have had the opportunity to see it now and can wholeheartedly agree that this film needs to be sought out. A haunting, lyrical piece starring Robert Walker Jr(who Lars described accurately as a Mod Edgar Allan Poe), Mimsy Farmer, Rita Hayworth and Ed Begley Sr. I really don't want to attempt to encapsulate the film much as I would never do it justice. Well worth your time though, and with any hope Lars may someday find a print and screen it for Weird Wednesday.

GGTMC podcast interviews

Just a quick note in case anyone might be interested. I have started a series of podcast interviews for my favorite podcast, the fantastic Gentlemen's Guide to Midnite Cinema. In this series I hope to talk to filmmakers, writers, actors, critics, film programmers and film gurus in general. As can be demonstrated by my blog, I like lists of movies of course. So within these interviews I will be trying to find out what some of these cool film fanatics' favorite unsung films are(among other things). My first interview is with Academy Award nominated screenwriter Josh Olson(HISTORY OF VIOLENCE). It's a true pleasure to listen to Josh speak about films he loves. He does so quite a bit over at the Trailers from Hell site, which I've mentioned before. The dude has great taste. Go listen to some of his trailer commentaries over there(including but not limited to: A BOY AND HIS DOG, ACE IN THE HOLE, BLOW OUT, BRING ME THE HEAD OF ALFREDO GARCIA, CHARLEY VARRICK, MS. 45, SORCERER, THE LONG GOODBYE, THE WARRIORS and WRITTEN ON THE WIND). My interview with him can be found at www.ggtmc.com (the episode is Bonus #8). Should have some more soon hopefully!

My Favorite Made-For-TV Movies

Been thinking about made-for-TV content a lot lately. Been catching some of the latest made for SyFy films like DINOSHARK and MEGAPIRANHA(which I enjoyed and I am declaring a classic of cheesy proportions). They are can be sort of fun, but they just don't stack up to the TV-movies of the 70s and 80s. From genuinely creepy to quite campy, many of them are certainly worth tracking down. Though sadly under-represented on DVD, many have begun showing up through Warner Archives and other sources. Here's the list of some my favorites.

1. DUEL(1971; Steven Spielberg)
2. A COLD NIGHT'S DEATH(1973; Jerrold Freeman)
3. MURDER BY NATURAL CAUSES(1979; Robert Day)
4. THE DEATH OF RICHIE(1977; Paul Wendkos)
5. DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK(1973; John Newland)
6. DYING ROOM ONLY(1973; Philip Leacock)
7. NIGHT STALKER(1972; John Llewellyn Moxey)/NIGHT STRANGLER(1973; Dan Curtis)
8. THE BOY IN THE PLASTIC BUBBLE(1976; Randall Kleiser)
9. BAD RONALD(1974; Buzz Kulik)
10. TIME TRAVELLERS(1976; Alexander Singer)
11. THE DEADLY TOWER(1975; Jerry Jameson)
12. THE NORLISS TAPES(1973; Dan Curtis)
13. SALEM'S LOT(1979; Tobe Hooper)
14. DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW(1981; Frank De Felitta)
15. SYBIL(1976; Daniel Petrie)
16. TRILOGY OF TERROR(1975; Dan Curtis)
17. THE WAVE(1981; Alexander Grasshoff)
18. SOLE SURVIVOR(1970; Paul Stanley)
19. THE KILLING OF RANDY WEBSTER(1981; Sam Wanamaker)
20. THE BERMUDA DEPTHS(1978; Tsugunobu Kotani)
21. SARAH T.-PORTRAIT OF A TEENAGE ALCOHOLIC(1975; Richard Donner)
22. NO PLACE TO HIDE(1981; John Llewellyn Moxey)
23. THE BOY WHO DRANK TOO MUCH(1980; Jerrold Freeman)
24. DAWN: PORTRAIT OF A TEENAGE RUNAWAY(1976; Randall Kleiser)
25. ALEXANDER: THE OTHER SIDE OF DAWN(1977; John Erman)
26. FIRE!(1977; Earl Bellamy)
27. THE HORROR AT 37,000 FEET(1973; David Lowell Rich)
28. KILLDOZER(1974; Jerry London)
29. GENESIS II(1973; John Llewellyn Moxey)
30. PLANET EARTH(1974; Marc Daniels)
31. EARTH II(1971; Tom Gries)
32. COTTON CANDY(1978; Ron Howard)
33. DESPERATE LIVES(1982; Robert Michael Lewis)
34. YOUNG LOVE, FIRST LOVE(1979; Steven Hilliard Stern)
35. THE BEST LITTLE GIRL IN THE WORLD(1981; Sam O'Steen)
36. SUMMER OF FEAR(1978; Wes Craven)