Film Noir Collection

A stark, hard-edged crime drama about a lawyer who becomes entangled in the illegal numbers racket he is supposed to legitimize. As he sinks deeper into corruption, he confronts the moral wreckage of his choices, the devastation inflicted on small-time operators, and the collapse of his own family ties. The film charts his struggle toward redemption in a world shaped by greed and violence. Genre: Film Noir / Crime Drama Director: Abraham Polonsky Abraham Polonsky was an American screenwriter, novelist, and director renowned for his sharp political sensibilities and distinctive narrative style. Before entering film, he worked as a teacher and writer, later bringing his disciplined intellect and interest in social justice to Hollywood. His career was abruptly disrupted when he was blacklisted during the early 1950s, shortly after the release of Force of Evil. Despite the political obstacles, his influence endured, and his 1948 debut as a director became a foundational work of film noir. Star Cast: John Garfield as Joe Morse Thomas Gomez as Leo Morse Beatrice Pearson as Doris Lowry Marie Windsor as Edna Tucker Howland Chamberlain as Wally Roy Roberts as Freddie Bauer Although admired by several critics upon release, the film struggled commercially due to its dark themes and the political controversy surrounding its creators. Over time, Force of Evil has been reappraised and is now regarded as one of the most intelligent and stylistically bold films of the noir era. Viewers and scholars praise its poetic dialogue, moral complexity, and striking urban imagery. Fun Facts: The film was adapted from Polonsky’s novel The Big Howe. John Garfield, a frequent collaborator with politically engaged filmmakers, delivered one of his most lauded performances. The depiction of Wall Street corruption tied to the numbers racket was seen as unusually daring for the period. The film’s stark visual style, influenced by European realism, contributed to its later recognition as a noir classic. * This Rumble Movie Channel is comprehensively indexed on https://kinoquick.com - find you favourite movies fast & free! * Follow this channel to be notified of daily movie updates.

The story follows attorney Craig Carlson, whose life unravels when love, loyalty, and betrayal collide. Craig is secretly in love with Myra, the wife of his closest friend, Joe Leeds. When Joe is murdered, Myra is accused of the crime, and Craig, believing in her innocence and blinded by his feelings, defends her in court and wins an acquittal. After the trial he discovers that Myra has manipulated him and was involved with another man, Carl Holt. Realising he has been used and that justice has not been served, Craig constructs an intricate plan to reveal the truth, setting in motion a dark and fatal sequence of events. Genre: Crime drama / Film noir Director: Peter Godfrey Peter Godfrey was a British-born stage actor and director who transitioned to Hollywood during the 1940s. With a background in theatre and a reputation for disciplined, character-driven storytelling, he directed a wide range of dramas, thrillers, and noirs. His Hollywood work often displayed a clean visual style and a focus on performance, and he collaborated with major studio talent as well as independent producers. By the mid-1950s he was an established craftsman whose films contributed to the closing years of the classic noir period. Star Cast: Raymond Burr as Craig Carlson Angela Lansbury as Myra Leeds Dick Foran as Joe Leeds Lamont Johnson as Carl Holt John Dehner as Detective Lt. Rocky Wall Denver Pyle as Lou Kazarian Audiences responded well to the taut storytelling and complex moral tensions, especially the emotionally charged triangle between Craig, Myra, and Joe. Critics highlighted Raymond Burr’s intense performance as a man torn between love and conscience, while Angela Lansbury earned notice for her cool and calculated portrayal of a woman capable of manipulating those closest to her. Although the film was not a major studio release, it became a recognised example of late-period noir and later gained wider visibility through public-domain circulation. Fun Facts: The film gained enduring popularity after entering the public domain, resulting in many restored and reissued prints. Raymond Burr filmed this just before becoming widely known for his role as Perry Mason. Angela Lansbury’s performance is frequently cited as one of her more notable early ventures into the femme fatale archetype. The central love triangle and Craig’s elaborate plan for truth and justice distinguish the story from many straightforward courtroom dramas of the era. * This Rumble Movie Channel is comprehensively indexed on https://kinoquick.com - find you favourite movies fast & free! * Follow this channel to be notified of daily movie updates.

Smooth as Silk is a crime drama film revolving around a slick and ambitious lawyer who becomes entangled in a web of deception, greed, and murder. When he helps a young woman secure a role in a play by manipulating her uncle, the situation spirals out of control, leading to betrayal and deadly consequences. The story unfolds as a dark examination of ambition and moral corruption. Genre: Crime, Drama, Film Noir Director: Charles Barton Charles Barton (1902–1981) was an American film director and actor whose career spanned over four decades. Starting as a silent film actor in the 1920s, he transitioned to directing in the 1930s and became known for his work on comedies, thrillers, and adventure films. He directed several Abbott and Costello comedies and also worked extensively in television later in his career, including on popular series such as "Amos 'n' Andy" and "Dennis the Menace." Barton’s directorial style was characterized by brisk pacing and clear storytelling, often within tight budgets. Star Cast: Kent Taylor as Mark Fenton Virginia Grey as Paula Marlowe Milburn Stone as Steve Marlowe John Litel as Stephen Elliott Jane Adams as Peggy Charles Trowbridge as Judge Ballantine The film was received as a competent and fast-paced entry in the crime drama genre, typical of Universal’s mid-1940s output. Critics praised the performances of Kent Taylor and Virginia Grey, noting their convincing portrayal of morally ambiguous characters. While not a major box office success, it was appreciated by fans of noir-style mysteries for its concise storytelling and moody atmosphere. Fun Facts: The film was produced by Universal Pictures during the height of the studio’s B-movie crime cycle. Virginia Grey was a frequent face in 1940s Hollywood thrillers and had previously starred in several Universal productions. The story was adapted from a play titled "A Slight Case of Murder," although significant changes were made for the screen. The film’s compact runtime of about an hour reflects Universal’s efficient approach to mid-budget features at the time. Director Charles Barton shot the film in under three weeks, a common practice for noir B-movies of the period. * This Rumble Movie Channel is comprehensively indexed on https://kinoquick.com - find you favourite movies fast & free! * Follow this channel to be notified of daily movie updates.

The Third Man is a British film noir set in postwar Vienna, a city divided among Allied powers and rife with corruption. American pulp novelist Holly Martins arrives to meet his old friend Harry Lime, only to learn that Lime has been killed in a mysterious accident. As Martins investigates, he becomes entangled in a web of deceit, espionage, and moral ambiguity—culminating in the revelation that Lime is not only alive but deeply involved in the black-market trade of diluted penicillin. The film’s haunting atmosphere, striking visuals, and unforgettable zither score make it one of cinema’s great masterpieces. Genre: Film Noir, Mystery, Thriller Director: Carol Reed Carol Reed (1906–1976) was one of Britain’s most distinguished filmmakers, known for his mastery of atmosphere, tension, and character-driven storytelling. Starting in the 1930s, Reed developed a reputation for intelligent, visually inventive films that explored moral complexity. His best-known works include The Fallen Idol, The Third Man, and Oliver!, the latter earning him an Academy Award for Best Director. Reed’s collaboration with novelist Graham Greene on The Third Man produced one of the most acclaimed British films ever made, renowned for its noir aesthetic and moral depth. Star Cast: Joseph Cotten as Holly Martins Alida Valli as Anna Schmidt Orson Welles as Harry Lime Trevor Howard as Major Calloway Bernard Lee as Sergeant Paine Paul Hörbiger as Porter Ernst Deutsch as Baron Kurtz Siegfried Breuer as Popescu Wilfrid Hyde-White as Crabbin The Third Man was an international critical and commercial success upon release. Audiences were captivated by its intrigue, shadow-drenched cinematography, and the morally ambiguous world it portrayed. Critics hailed Orson Welles’s performance as Harry Lime, though he appeared only briefly, and the film quickly became a cultural landmark of postwar cinema. It won the Grand Prix at the 1949 Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Award for Best Cinematography (Black-and-White). Over time, it has been consistently ranked among the greatest films ever made, celebrated for its artistry, haunting score, and unforgettable final scene. Fun Facts: The screenplay was written by Graham Greene, who first drafted the story as a novella to develop the plot before adapting it for the screen. Orson Welles’s famous line, “In Italy for thirty years under the Borgias…” was improvised and is now one of cinema’s most quoted speeches. The film’s distinctive zither score, composed and performed by Anton Karas, became a worldwide hit and sold millions of records. Much of the film was shot on location in the bombed-out ruins of Vienna, lending it authentic postwar realism. The unforgettable “cuckoo clock” speech was not in Greene’s script but added by Welles during filming. Welles reportedly disliked working in Vienna’s sewers and used body doubles for some of the underground chase scenes. The film’s ending, featuring Anna silently walking past Holly, was insisted upon by director Carol Reed against producer David O. Selznick’s wishes—and is now regarded as one of the greatest closing scenes in cinema history. In 1999, the British Film Institute voted The Third Man the greatest British film of the 20th century. * This Rumble Movie Channel is comprehensively indexed on https://kinoquick.com - find you favourite movies fast & free! * Follow this channel to be notified of daily movie updates.

Body and Soul is a landmark boxing drama that tells the story of Charlie Davis, a young man from the slums who rises to fame as a prizefighter. Along the way, he grapples with corruption in the sport, personal ambition, betrayal, and the toll his choices take on his relationships. The film combines thrilling boxing sequences with a hard-hitting critique of greed and exploitation in professional sports. Genre: Drama, Sports, Film Noir Director: Robert Rossen Robert Rossen was an American screenwriter, director, and producer known for socially conscious films that explored ambition, corruption, and moral conflict. After working as a screenwriter in the 1930s, he transitioned into directing in the 1940s. His films include All the King’s Men (1949), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and The Hustler (1961), considered one of his masterpieces. Rossen’s work is marked by its intensity, realism, and moral complexity. Star Cast: John Garfield as Charlie Davis Lilli Palmer as Peg Born Hazel Brooks as Alice Anne Revere as Anna Davis William Conrad as Quinn Lloyd Gough as Roberts Joseph Pevney as Shorty Polaski Canada Lee as Ben Chaplin Body and Soul was both a critical and commercial success, widely praised for its realistic fight sequences and its uncompromising view of corruption in boxing. John Garfield’s powerful performance was highly acclaimed, and the film became one of the defining sports dramas of its era. It won an Academy Award for Best Film Editing and received nominations for Best Actor (Garfield) and Best Original Screenplay (Abraham Polonsky). Fun Facts: The screenplay was written by Abraham Polonsky, who infused the story with strong social commentary; Polonsky was later blacklisted during the McCarthy era. The fight scenes were revolutionary for their time, using dynamic camerawork to put audiences inside the ring. Canada Lee, who played Charlie’s loyal trainer Ben Chaplin, was a former real-life professional boxer before turning to acting. John Garfield trained extensively with professional boxers to prepare for the role, adding authenticity to his performance. The film is often cited as one of the most influential boxing movies, inspiring later classics such as Raging Bull (1980). * This Rumble Movie Channel is comprehensively indexed on https://kinoquick.com - find you favourite movies fast & free! * Follow this channel to be notified of daily movie updates.

The Miami Story is a crime thriller about an ex-convict recruited by law enforcement to help bring down a powerful crime syndicate in Miami. Using his criminal background and connections, he infiltrates the mob’s inner circle while the police secretly monitor the operation. The film unfolds as a tense mix of undercover drama, mob intrigue, and violent confrontations, showcasing the dangers of organized crime in postwar America. Genre: Crime, Drama, Film Noir Director: Fred F. Sears Fred F. Sears was an American director, actor, and screenwriter, best known for his rapid-fire output of low-budget films during the 1950s. Working frequently for Columbia Pictures, he directed everything from crime dramas to westerns and science fiction. Despite the modest budgets, Sears became known for keeping stories moving quickly and entertainingly. Among his most famous works are Earth vs. the Flying Saucers (1956) and Rock Around the Clock (1956). Star Cast: Barry Sullivan as Mick Flagg Luther Adler as Tony Brill John Baer as Steve Foster Adele Jergens as Holly Abbott Beverly Garland as Betty Stacey William Henry as Lt. Mike Abbott George Eldredge as Capt. Thompson The Miami Story was generally received as a competent but conventional entry in the crime film cycle of the 1950s. Audiences enjoyed the noirish atmosphere, fast pacing, and performances, especially from Barry Sullivan and Luther Adler. While it did not achieve major box office success, it was appreciated by fans of crime thrillers for its gritty portrayal of the Miami underworld. Fun Facts: The film was part of Columbia’s wave of crime dramas that capitalized on the popularity of noir and gangster films in the early 1950s. Fred F. Sears, the director, was known for working at lightning speed, sometimes completing films in less than three weeks. Beverly Garland, who appears in the film, later became well known on television, appearing in shows like My Three Sons and Scarecrow and Mrs. King. The story highlighted the cooperation between law enforcement and reformed criminals, a theme popular in postwar crime films. The movie is often cited as an example of how Hollywood used exotic American cities like Miami to add flair and atmosphere to noir-style storytelling. * This Rumble Movie Channel is comprehensively indexed on https://kinoquick.com - find you favourite movies fast & free! * Follow this channel to be notified of daily movie updates.

The Good Die Young is a British crime drama that follows four men from very different backgrounds who are drawn into a carefully planned post office robbery in London. Each man is struggling with personal troubles, from failing marriages to financial ruin, and they are persuaded to join the scheme by a smooth-talking aristocrat. What begins as an attempt to solve their problems spirals into tragedy as loyalty, greed, and betrayal tear the group apart. Genre: Crime, Drama, Film Noir Director: Lewis Gilbert Lewis Gilbert was an English director, producer, and screenwriter whose career spanned six decades. He directed a wide range of films, from wartime dramas to comedies, but became best known internationally for his work on three James Bond films: You Only Live Twice (1967), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), and Moonraker (1979). Gilbert was praised for his versatility, character-driven storytelling, and ability to handle large-scale productions. Star Cast: Laurence Harvey as Miles Ravenscourt Gloria Grahame as Denise Richard Basehart as Joe Halsey Joan Collins as Mary Halsey John Ireland as Mike Morgan Stanley Baker as Eddie Blaine Rene Ray as Angela Morgan Margaret Leighton as Eve Ravenscourt The film was well received by critics in Britain and abroad, noted for its stark and realistic approach to crime, as well as its ensemble cast of international stars. Audiences appreciated the gritty tension and the personal dramas behind the characters’ descent into crime. Although it wasn’t a huge commercial blockbuster, the film built a strong reputation and is still regarded as one of the better British crime films of the 1950s. Fun Facts: The film was adapted from the novel by Richard Macaulay, with the screenplay co-written by Lewis Gilbert and Vernon Harris. Gloria Grahame was an established Hollywood star and Oscar winner who brought significant international appeal to the film. Joan Collins was still early in her career, years before becoming a global television star with Dynasty in the 1980s. Laurence Harvey, who played the manipulative aristocrat, later achieved fame in The Manchurian Candidate (1962). The movie is considered a fine example of British postwar noir, combining American star power with a distinctly British sensibility. * This Rumble Movie Channel is comprehensively indexed on https://kinoquick.com - find you favourite movies fast & free! * Follow this channel to be notified of daily movie updates.

Plunder Road is a taut crime thriller centered on a daring train robbery where a gang of criminals steals a massive shipment of gold bullion. The story follows their meticulous planning, the split-second execution, and the tension-filled aftermath as they try to smuggle the stolen fortune out of the country without being caught. Genre: Crime, Film Noir, Thriller Director: Hubert Cornfield Hubert Cornfield was a French-born filmmaker who moved to the United States and worked primarily in the 1950s and 1960s. Known for his lean and stylish direction, he specialized in crime dramas and thrillers. Although his career was relatively brief, Cornfield developed a reputation for handling tight budgets while creating strong atmospheric tension in his films. Star Cast: Gene Raymond as Eddie Harris Jeanne Cooper as Fran Werner Wayne Morris as Frank Norris Elisha Cook Jr. as Skeets Stafford Repp as Charles Steven Ritch as Commando The film received moderate attention on its release, with critics praising its taut pacing and moody cinematography. Audiences appreciated the suspenseful unfolding of the heist and the gritty, noir-inspired atmosphere. While not a major box-office hit, Plunder Road gained recognition over the years as a solid entry in the heist and noir subgenre. Fun Facts: The film was shot in black and white, which heightened its noir atmosphere and tension. Jeanne Cooper, who plays Fran Werner, later became well-known for her decades-long role on the daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless. Elisha Cook Jr., cast as Skeets, was already a familiar face in film noir, having appeared in classics like The Maltese Falcon (1941) and The Big Sleep (1946). Despite being a B-movie with a modest budget, it is admired for its crisp direction and efficient storytelling, making it a cult favorite among noir enthusiasts. The movie is notable for focusing on the psychological strain and breakdown of the criminals rather than just the action of the heist itself. * This Rumble Movie Channel is comprehensively indexed on https://kinoquick.com - find you favourite movies fast & free! * Follow this channel to be notified of daily movie updates.

Odds Against Tomorrow is a hard-hitting crime drama that blends the suspense of a heist thriller with sharp social commentary on race and prejudice. The story follows three men who plan a bank robbery: a bitter ex-con, a racist ex-cop, and a Black nightclub entertainer. As tensions rise, mistrust and hatred threaten to derail the plan, leading to a violent and tragic conclusion. Genre: Crime drama / Film noir Director: Robert Wise Robert Wise (1914–2005) was an acclaimed American film director, producer, and editor. He began his career as an editor at RKO, famously working on Orson Welles’s Citizen Kane (1941). As a director, Wise demonstrated versatility across genres, from horror (The Body Snatcher, 1945), to science fiction (The Day the Earth Stood Still, 1951; The Andromeda Strain, 1971), to musicals (West Side Story, 1961; The Sound of Music, 1965). Odds Against Tomorrow reflected his skill in blending social issues with popular storytelling. Star Cast: Harry Belafonte as Johnny Ingram Robert Ryan as Earle Slater Ed Begley as Dave Burke Gloria Grahame as Helen Shelley Winters as Ruth Slater Will Kuluva as Bacco Cicely Tyson (uncredited early screen appearance) The film was praised for its tense atmosphere, sharp direction, and standout performances, particularly Harry Belafonte’s layered portrayal of a Black man navigating crime and systemic racism. Critics noted its socially conscious themes, which were rare in American crime films of the time. While not a major box-office success, it became a respected entry in late-period film noir and is now considered a classic of socially aware crime cinema. Fun Facts: The film was based on the novel by William P. McGivern. Harry Belafonte not only starred in the film but also produced it through his own company, HarBel Productions. The jazz score was composed by John Lewis of the Modern Jazz Quartet, enhancing the film’s cool, modern tone. Cicely Tyson, later a legendary actress, made an early uncredited appearance in the film. Robert Ryan, who often played tough characters, was himself a committed liberal and supporter of civil rights, making his role as a racist ex-cop deeply ironic. * This Rumble Movie Channel is comprehensively indexed on https://kinoquick.com - find you favourite movies fast & free! * Follow this channel to be notified of daily movie updates.

Wicked as They Come is a British-American film noir drama about a ruthless and ambitious woman who manipulates and deceives her way up the social ladder. Her beauty and charm conceal a cold, calculating nature, and the film follows her destructive rise and eventual downfall. Genre: Film noir drama Director: Ken Hughes Ken Hughes (1922–2001) was a British screenwriter and director known for his versatility in tackling different genres, from gritty dramas and crime thrillers to big-budget musicals. He worked on notable films such as The Trials of Oscar Wilde (1960), Of Human Bondage (1964), and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968). Hughes had a reputation for stylish visuals and a willingness to push boundaries in character-driven stories. Star Cast: Arlene Dahl as Katherine Allenborg Philip Carey as Stephen Collins Herbert Marshall as Walter Allenborg Michael Goodliffe as Paul Barlow Sid James as Martin Marie Burke as Mrs. Allenborg The film received mixed reviews upon release. Critics noted Arlene Dahl’s performance as captivating and effective in portraying a femme fatale, though the plot was seen by some as melodramatic. Audiences appreciated the glamour and intrigue of the story, though it did not achieve major box-office success in the United States. Over time, it has gained attention as a solid example of mid-century British noir. Fun Facts: The film was released in the United States under the alternative title Portrait in Smoke. Arlene Dahl’s performance was praised as one of her most memorable screen roles, solidifying her image as a glamorous star of the 1950s. The movie was based on the novel Portrait in Smoke by Bill S. Ballinger. It was one of the films that highlighted the blending of Hollywood talent with British studios during the 1950s co-production era. * This Rumble Movie Channel is comprehensively indexed on https://kinoquick.com - find you favourite movies fast & free! * Follow this channel to be notified of daily movie updates.