Key Largo (1948).

Key Largo (1948). film noir directed by John Huston. Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson, Lauren Bacall, Lionel Barrymore, and Claire Trever. Key Largo, was the fourth and final film pairing of married actors Bogart and Bacall. Trevor won the 1948 Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance.

Veteran Frank McCloud, travels to Key Largo, Florida to pay his respects to the family of George Temple, who died under his command during World War II. George's wheelchair-bound father James runs the hotel with George's widow, who insists that he stay the night. Sitting at the bar are Nora, Frank, Curly Hoff, Toots, Angel and Gaye Dawn. Nora, explains to him that they offered her father-in-law so much money to open the hotel for them, that he could not say no.

It is not long before, a hurricane warning is issued and Nora, runs around closing all the shutters, when the telephone rings. Curly, answers the phone and tells the caller that the Temples are not there and he also has not seen local police officer named, Sawyer. When Temple speaks up, the men pull their guns. The men's boss comes downstairs and Frank recognizes him as the gangster Johnny Rocco. Johnny Rocco and his men, have already captured and beaten Sawyer, who was looking for the Oceola brothers, who had just escaped from jail.

When Rocco, makes a pass at Nora, she spits in his face and Frank quickly talks him out of killing her. Rocco throws him a gun and tells him that he can rid the world of Rocco if he is also willing to die. Frank, throws the gun and Sawyer grabs it and tries to escape. Rocco kills Sawyer, revealing that the other gun was not loaded. Rocco then demands Gaye, his alcoholic girlfriend, to sing a song before she can have a drink. She does not sing very well, Rocco refuses to give her a drink, Frank feels sorry for her and pours her a drink. Rocco slaps him and once again, Frank does nothing.

After the storm passes, Rocco learns they lost the boat in the storm. He orders Frank to take Temple's boat to take him to Cuba. Just before they leave, a second police officer comes looking for Sawyer and finds his body laying outside the hotel. Rocco, blames the murder on the Oceola brothers and when the the brothers try to escape, the officer shoots them. As Rocco and his men prepare to leave, Gaye begs Rocco to take her with them, she grabs his gun from his pocket without him knowing and slips it to Frank. Will Frank save them and get out of this alive?

Key Largo, is a story about a bad situation in which from the beginning you wonder when Frank (if ever), is going to make his move, but.. as luck would have it the hurricane changes things around .

Thomas Gomez (July 10, 1905 – June 18, 1971), began his acting career in theater during the 1920s and was a student of the actor Walter Hampden. He made his first film Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror in 1942 and by the end of his career had appeared in sixty films.

He received a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film, Ride the Pink Horse (1947). His other film roles include: Who Done It? (1942), Key Largo (1948), Force of Evil (1948), The Conqueror (1956) and his final film Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970).

The Second Woman (1950).

The Second Woman (1950). Film noir, directed by James V. Kern. Cast: Robert Young, Betsy Drake, John Sutton and Florence Bates.

The story begins when Major Badger, stops by one Sunday to warn Amelia Foster and her niece Ellen, that Jeff Cohalan, is a dangerous criminal. They find him unconscious in the garage, with the car engine running. Ellen remembers their first meeting: On a train to Pine Cliff, where Jeff meets Dr. Hartley, who is concerned about Jeff's problems with depression. In the dining car, he meets Ellen, who is going to visit her aunt, who lives next door to Jeff.

Later, at Ben Sheppard's office, where Jeff works there as an architect, another employee Keith Ferris, notices his forget fullness. Ellen meets with Jeff, on the beach and asks him to show her the house "Hilltop". Later, Ellen finds out that Jeff built the house for his fiancee, Vivian Sheppard, who was killed in a car accident, the night before their wedding. Ellen, finds herself attracted to Jeff, who's being haunted by unexplainable, harassment...or is it.. paranoia?

This is a better-than-average psychological thriller, where Robert Young gives a wonderful performance. The Second Woman, is a cross between the films, Rebbecca, Gaslight and Fountainhead, one of those movies you like to watch in the middle of a stormy night...

Video: Is the complete movie.

Florence Bates (April 15, 1888 – January 31, 1954) was a character actress who often played grande dame characters in her films.

Bates showed musical talent as a child, but a hand injury stopped her from continuing her piano studies. She graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Mathematics in 1906, after which she taught school. In 1909 she met and married her first husband and gave up her career to raise their daughter. When her marriage ended in divorce, she began to study law and passed the bar in 1914, becoming at the age of 26 the first female attorney in her home state.

After the death of her parents, Bates left the legal profession to help her sister manage their father's antique business. She became a bilingual radio commentator whose program was designed to foster good relations between the United States and Mexico. In 1929, she closed the antique shop and married wealthy oil baron William F. Jacoby. When he lost his fortune, the couple moved to Los Angeles and opened a bakery.

In the mid-1930s, Bates performed in Jane Austen's, Emma. When she decided to continue working with the theatre group, she changed her professional name to that of the first character she played on stage. In 1939 she was introduced to Alfred Hitchcock, who cast her in her first major screen role, Mrs. Van Hopper, in the film, Rebecca.

Bates performed in more than sixty films over the next thirteen years. Among her credits are: Kitty Foyle, The Moon and Sixpence, Mr. Lucky, Heaven Can Wait, Mister Big, Since You Went Away, Kismet, Saratoga Trunk, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Winter Meeting, I Remember Mama, Portrait of Jennie, A Letter to Three Wives, On the Town, and Les Misérables. Bates had a regular role on The Hank McCune Show and made guest appearances on I Love Lucy, My Little Margie, and Our Miss Brooks.

The Limping Man(1953).

The Limping Man(1953). British film directed by Cy Endfield (as Charles de Lautour), Cast: Lloyd Bridges and Moira Lister. The film was based on Anthony Verney's novel, Death on the Tideway.

The story begins when, Franklyn Pryor, gets off the plane and asks a man for a light, just as a sniper shoots and kills the man. Scotland Yard Inspector Braddock, asks Frank, if he knew the man? Before Frank leaves, he tells them that he will be in London for the next couple months and was waiting for an old friend, Pauline French. Frank, calls her apartment, but she does not answer.

Braddock and Cameron, go to the house and finds a picture of, Kendall-Brown. Braddock, shows the picture to Kendall-Brown's landlady and asks if she knows the woman in the picture. The landlady says, that had just been there that morning. Pauline, who is the woman in the picture, asks the landlady if Kendall-Brown had returned home. The landlady says "no," but that the police were in his apartment, Pauline rushes to her apartment, where she finds Frank waiting for her. Pauline says that she had sent a telegram, asking him to postpone his trip, but she is very happy to see him. Later, Frank tells her that a passenger on his plane was shot and killed.

Braddock and Cameron go to see Helene Castle, a performer whose autographed picture was also found in Kendall-Brown's room. Helene, tells them that she was married to him but they had been separated for years. When they show her another photograph, she identifies Pauline.

The next day, Pauline takes Frank for a ride in her boat and they stop at the Spread Eagle pub. Frank, notices a man with a limp, who seems to threaten her. Frank asks Pauline if she knew him, and she admits that she did, but when Frank offers his help, she refuses.

Braddock and Cameron question Pauline at her apartment, where she says that she had not seen him in a long time. After the police leave, they return to Scotland Yard, where they find Frank and they tell him that Pauline is a marksman which makes her a suspect, they also find indentations made by a cane. Frank remembers the limping man from the pub. Braddock, feels that Frank knows more than he is telling and has him followed. It's not long before Pauline finds out the man isn't who he is supposed to be.

Their is plenty of intrigue until the twist ending which may have you saying "say what". Still, a wonderful movie for a rainy day.

Moira Lister  (6 August 1923 – 27 October 2007) ,  began working in films in 1944, and performed in: The Limping Man, The Cruel Sea and The Deep Blue Sea.

She had a regular role in the first series of the BBC radio comedy Hancock's Half Hour in 1954-55. She starred in the BBC television series The Whitehall Worrier and The Very Merry Widow from 1967 to 1968. Lister also performed on other British TV series, Danger Man. In 1980, she made a guest appearance as film star Gloria Robbins in the sitcom, Only When I Laugh.

Night Editor (1946) . From Bad Girls Film Noir Vol.2. DVD.

Night Editor (1946). B-movie film noir. Directed by Henry Levin and based on a popular radio program of the same name. The script for the film was based on a previous radio program episode "Inside Story." Cast: William Gargan, Janis Carter and Jeff Donnell.

The story begins when, Johnny's problems reminds editor Crane Stewart of another troubled man he knew years earlier:

Homicide detective Tony Cochrane, who is estranged from his wife, Martha, while having an affair with socialite, Jill Merrill. One evening at the beach, Jill and Tony hear a woman scream and see a man jump out of the car and flee. Tony, is about to run after him when Jill, reminds him that his involvement would expose their affair. Tony lets the man escape, even though the woman is left dead in the car.

The next day, Tony and detective Ole Strom, are assigned to investigate the woman's murder. The victim is identified as Elaine Blanchard, the daughter of a well known family. At the beach, Capt. Lawrence notices a second set of tire prints in the sand and has Ole to make a plaster cast of the 2nd pair of tracks. On the list of Elaine's friends to be questioned, Tony is shocked to see the names of Jill and her husband Benjamin. Tony returns home and changes the tires on his car.

The next day, Tony tells Jill that he knows she knows the identity of the murderer, but she refuses to give up his name.


Looking for clues, Tony goes to Elaine's bank and meets banker Douglas Loring, whom he recognizes as the man who ran from Elaine's car.

After a homeless man is arrested for Elaine's murder, Tony asks Jill to testify that she saw Loring at the crime scene, but again she refuses.

Wanting Loring's fingerprints, Tony tricks him into signing a statement about Elaine and then keeps his pen.

On the eve of the homeless mans execution for Elaine's murder, Tony matches Loring's prints to the murderer's prints that were found in the car. Tony shows the fingerprints to Capt. Lawrence, who then takes them to District Attorney Halloran.

Tony and the captain find Loring at the district attorney's office, confessing that he spent the afternoon of the murder with Elaine. When Loring claims that on the night of the murder he was at a movie theater with Jill, who arrives to back up his alibi. Tony, accuses Jill of betraying him, and she tells him that she is having an affair with Loring.



Tony, admits to Ole that he witnessed the murder. Ole tells him that they need proof, Tony remembers the tires in his garage, his conscience gets the best of him and he must prove who really did the killing even if it ruins his life.

This is a realistic cop film with a great twist at the end.

Janis Carter (October 10, 1913 — July 30, 1994), she was working on Broadway where she was spotted on stage by Darryl F. Zanuck who signed her to a movie deal.

Carter, after moving to Hollywood, performed in over 30 films beginning in 1941 for 20th Century Fox, MGM, Columbia, and RKO. She performed in the films, Night Editor (1946) and Framed (1947) with Glenn Ford and the Flying Leathernecks (1951) with John Wayne.

Inner Sanctum (1948).

Inner Sanctum (1948). Directed by Lew Landers. Starring Charles Russell, Mary Beth Hughes, Dale Belding.

Inner Sanctum, is a movie about a man who accidentally kills his fiancee as he leaves the train. No one saw him at the deserted station.. but a little boy. Later, while he's walking along a road when the town's newspaper editor stops and gives him a ride. The editor tells him that a flood has washed out the bridge and there's no way out of town, so he takes him to a boarding house. As his luck would have it... this is where the little boy lives. The man thinks he needs to get rid of the boy. The sexy blond living at the boarding house thinks it's time to run off with a man she knows is a murderer. The Plot turns and twists, build into a suprise ending.

Mary Beth Hughes (November 13, 1919 – August 27, 1995). While acting in a school play in the early 1930s, her performance caught the attention of Clifford Brown, a theater company owner, who offered her a part in a touring production of, Alice in Wonderland. While touring with another production in Brown's company, she was offered a contract from a talent scout with Gaumont-British Studios but declined the offer to finish high school.

After graduating from high school in 1937, she returned to Brown's theater company, where she continued to perform in stage productions until the summer of 1938, when she moved to Los Angeles with her mother to pursue a film career. There Hughes met an agent, Wally Ross. Ross introduced Hughes to William Morris agent Johnny Hyde. Hyde landed Hughes a contract with MGM, and she soon landed a small, uncredited role in the 1939 film, Broadway Serenade.

After Broadway Serenade, Hughes appeared in other bit parts in films including, The Women with Norma Shearer, Dancing Co-Ed with Lana Turner, and the Busby Berkeley film, Fast and Furious.

In 1940, Hughes was offered a contract with 20th Century Fox. Later that year, she landed a role opposite John Barrymore in, The Great Profile, a role that she later said was one of her favorites. Fox did not renew her contract when it expired in 1943, and the following year Hughes began performing in a nightclub act and soon signed a three-picture deal with Universal.

Throughout the mid 1940s and 1950s, Hughes appeared in film and television roles, including, I Accuse My Parents, Waterfront at Midnight, The Devil's Henchman, The Abbott and Costello Show, Dragnet, and Studio One.

In 1961, Hughes decided to retire from acting and began working as a receptionist in a plastic surgeon's office. While working as a receptionist, she also continued her performances in nightclubs. She would go on to perform in television shows like: Rawhide and Dennis the Menace. In 1970, she landed a regular role on The Red Skelton Show, performing in 11 episodes. In 1976, she again retired from show business, explaining that she was "tired of auditioning for sexy grandma roles."Hughes's last onscreen performance was in the film, Tanya(1976).

The Two Mrs. Carrolls(1947).

The Two Mrs. Carrolls(1947). Noir. Directed by Peter Godfrey and produced by Mark Hellinger, with Jack L. Warner as executive producer, from a screenplay by Thomas Job based on the play by Martin Vale. Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Barbara Stanwyck and Alexis Smith with Nigel Bruce.

While on vacation in Scotland, Sally Morton meets and falls in love with painter Geoffrey Carroll, but is heartbroken when she finds out that he has an invalid wife and a daughter. Back home, Geoffrey come up with a plan to get rid of his wife, using another name, buys poison. Then sends his daughter Beatrice, away to school and takes over the care of his wife.

Two years after the death of Geoffrey's wife, he and Sally have been married a year and live with Bea. Geoffrey's paints a beautiful portrait of his first wife which he calls.. "Death". Things are not going well in his studio and he is not very happy when Charles Pennington, Sally's former fiancee visits with Mrs. Latham and her daughter Cecily, who wants him to paint her portrait.

Geoffrey needs the money to pay Blagdon's blackmail demands, agrees to do the work and begins an affair with Cecily.

Later when Sally, becomes ill, Dr. Tuttle believes her symptoms is a bad case of nervous. Geoffrey, begins making plans to send Bea back to boarding school and he has begun to paint a new painting, which he refuses to let Sally near the studio.

Geoffrey then travels to London to meet Blagdon, who has demanded another payment. While he is gone, Sally, who knows about his affair with Cecily, finds Bea packing for school, where she learns that she was also sent to school before her mother died. Sally now suspects that Geoffrey is trying to kill her. Will he succeed with his plans or will Sally out smart him?

The story is very interesting even though it has a few odd moments. A perfect movie, for the Bogart fans, who want to see him in a role that is a little different.

First video of 7.

Nigel Bruce (4 February 1895 – 8 October 1953), was a British character actor on stage and screen. He was best known for his portrayal of Doctor Watson in a series of films and in the radio series The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes). Bruce is also remembered for his roles in the Alfred Hitchcock films Rebecca and Suspicion.

The Smiling Ghost (1941).

The Smiling Ghost (1941). Directed by Lewis Seiler. Cast: Brenda Marshall, Alexis Smith, Wayne Morris.

The story begins when unemployed engineer Lucky Downing, is hired by wealthy Mrs. Bentley to pretend to be engaged to her granddaughter, Elinor Bentley Fairchild. Unknown to Lucky, all of Elinor's former fiancees have had horrible accidents and have ended up crippled or dead..

When Elinor, meets Lucky and his Valet Clarence at the station, and Lucky is happy to see that she is very beautiful. So.. when he meets her relatives, he is surprised to find that they are all kooky or sinister.

Soon after Lucky, meets with reporter Lil Barstow, who has been writing Elinor's story for the local newspaper. Lil, tells Lucky about her former fiancees and tries talking him into leaving before something happens to him. He decides to stay, after Elinor tells him that she has fallen in love with him. Lucky tries to stop Lil, from writing his story, but.. she takes him to visit Paul, who believes that Eggleston is not really dead and is killing Elinor's fiancees out of jealousy. Lucky suggests that he and Elinor pretend to marry to lure the killer or the ghost out of hiding. When Lucky, is attacked, will the mystery be solved?

This is another one of those films you dont hear alot about...but, I have to say it is a Awesome film...Wayne Morris absolutely wonderful as the hero and Willie Best gives a excellent performance as Luckys Valet ... You will fall in love with the cast of family characters.

Brenda Marshall (September 29, 1915 – July 30, 1992), made her first film performance in the film, Espionage Agent(1939). The following year, she played the leading lady to Errol Flynn in, The Sea Hawk. After divorcing actor Richard Gaines in 1940, she married the actor William Holden in 1941. She performed with James Cagney in the film, Captains of the Clouds(1942). The Constant Nymph (1943), She also played scientist Nora Goodrich in the the film, Strange Impersonation(1946).

An Act Of Murder(1948).

An Act Of Murder(1948). Directed by Michael Gordon. Starring Fredric March, Edmond O'Brien, Will Wright.

The story begins in the Pennsylvania court of Calvin Cooke, attorney David Douglas loses a murder trial. Unknown to Calvin, David, whom the judge dislikes because of his liberal ways of thinking, is dating his daughter Ellie.

Later that evening, while Cathy is preparing for her twentieth anniversary dinner, she experiences severe pain and dizziness which she hides from her family. The next day she goes in for several tests. Cathy's friend and Dr. Walter, arranges for the test results to be submitted to several specialists around the country.

In court the next day, Calvin gets a message from Walter, who informs him that Cathy is suffering from a unstoppable and fast-advancing disease.

The only help Walter can give her are pain pills that are highly toxic. He recommends that Calvin keep the information from Cathy and try to make her remaining days as pleasant as possible. Calvin decides to take Cathy on a second honeymoon trip.

While in an amusement park house of mirrors, Cathy has a dizzy spell and wants to return to the hotel, where she continues experiencing great pain.

Calvin gives her a pain pill, telling her it is aspirin, but Cathy spends the night in excruciating pain. The next morning Cathy finds a note from Calvin saying that he has gone for the newspaper and comes across Walter's pain medicine prescription and diagnosis. Meanwhile, Calvin has telephoned Walter and talks of suicide and relieving her pain.

When he returns to the hotel, Cathy says nothing about finding the prescription and asks to return home. On the drive back in the middle of a rainstorm, they have car trouble and Calvin is forced to pull into a roadside garage and cafe. While Calvin is with the mechanic, Cathy, realizes her condition is getting worse and calls her daughter Ellie.

On the road again with Cathy sleeping beside him, Calvin, intentionally drives the car over an embankment.. Will they survive the crash?

The story is about a helpless husband and his brave wife, and their final days until their doomed weekend. "An Act of Murder" makes a powerful statement on how fragile life is.

Video: Full Movie.

Edmond O'Brien (September 10, 1915 – May 9, 1985), made his film debut in 1938, and became a highly regarded supporting actor. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces and performed in the Air Forces' Broadway play and film, Winged Victory.

He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film, The Barefoot Contessa (1954) and was also nominated for his role as an alcoholic U.S. senator in the film, Seven Days in May (1964). Prior to that, O'Brien had a role in the, 1950's D.O.A. as a poisoned man who looks for his own murderer before he dies.

His other notable films include The Killers (1946), White Heat (1949), The Girl Can't Help It (1956), The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), Birdman of Alcatraz (1962), The Longest Day (1962), Fantastic Voyage (1966), and The Wild Bunch (1969).

Phantom Lady (1944).

Phantom Lady (1944). Directed by Robert Siomak, his first Hollywood noir. It was also a first for producer Joan Harrison, Universal Pictures' first female executive and Hitchcock's former screenwriter. Cast: Ella Raines, Alan Curtis, Franchot Tone and Thomas Gomez.

The story begins when, Scott Henderson sits next to a woman wearing a very unusual hat at a bar. Scott finds himself asking if she would like to join him for the show that he already has tickets for.. She agrees, on the condition that they do not exchange names. At the show, Scott and the woman sit near the front, where the woman attracts the eye of the drummer(who gives me the the creeps)and singer Estela Monteiro(Carmen Miranda's sister in real life), who is furious that the woman has the same hat. After the show, Scott escorts the woman back to the bar and they go their own way. When Scott returns home, he is met by police Inspector Burgess, who informs him that Scott's wife has been strangled to death with one of his expensive ties. Shocked, Scott says that he argued with his wife because she refused to go out with him to celebrate their anniversary. Scott, is then taken to the police station for questioning.

The next day Scott' secretary, Carol Richman, is worried sick when she reads about Marcela's murder in the newspaper. It does not take long, before Scott is arrested and during his trial he is found guilty of murdering his wife. In prison, Scott gives up hope but Carol Richman, does everything she can to save Scott.

I think this maybe one of my favorite Ella Raines, performances. Franchot Tone, also gives a wonderful performance as the accused man's best friend. I can not believe... Alan Curtis character, accepts his fate so easily without putting up more of a fight.. Anywho.. Thomas Gomez, plays the perfect detective who has his doubts about who committed the crime.

Ella Raines (August 6, 1920 – May 30, 1988), studied drama at the University of Washington and was performing in a play when she was seen by Howard Hawks. She became the first actor signed to the new production company he had formed with the actor Charles Boyer, "B-H Productions", and made her film debut in the film, Corvette K-225(1943). After starring in Corvette K-225, she was cast in the all female war film, Cry 'Havoc'. In 1944, she starred in a series of big films including film noir classic: Phantom Lady, Hail the Conquering Hero, and John Wayne western, Tall in the Saddle. Soon, she began to travel into B-films including:The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry(1945), The Web(1947) and Brute Force with Burt Lancaster.
She retired from acting in 1957.

Beware of these Women: Barbara Stanwyck.

Double Indemnity(1944). Noir, directed by Billy Wilder, co-written by Wilder and Raymond Chandler, and produced by Buddy DeSylva and Joseph Sistrom. Cast: Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck and Edward G. Robinson.

This film noir is one of best murder mysteries of all time. The story begins when Walter Neff, a insurance salesman, returns to his office late one night after he has been shot. He sits down at his desk and begins dictating a memo for his boss Barton Keyes. The dictation tells how Neff, meets Phyllis Dietrichson at her home to renew a car insurance policy for her husband. Phyllis, asks how she could take out a policy on her husband's life without his knowing it. Neff, realizes she is up to no good. Neff's, libido quickly takes over and he agrees that together, they will kill her husband. Neff comes up with a plan in which Phyllis's husband will die an accidental death. The couple carry out their plan. Investigator Keyes, has a nagging feeling that Dietrichson and a accomplice must be behind the husband's death.



Fred Murray and Edward G. Robinson give perfect performances, but... it is Barbara Stanwyck, who really makes the film with her talent to exploit men.

The Strange Love of Martha Ivers(1946).

The Strange Love of Martha Ivers(1946). Film noir. Cast: Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin, Lizabeth Scott and Kirk Douglas in his film debut. The movie is based on the short story "Love Lies Bleeding" by playwright John Patrick.

The story begins, One rainy night, when Martha Ivers, a young girl wanting to get out from under her rich, domineering aunt's thumb, is caught trying to run away with her friend, Sam Masterson. Later that night, Sam comes back looking for her, but hides when he hears her aunt hitting the cat with her cane. When Martha comes to the rescue of her cat, she accidentally kills her aunt. Walter O'Neil, the son of Martha's tutor, sees the whole thing. Martha lies about the accident to Mr. O'Neil, and Walter backs her up. Although, Mr. O'Neil, believes he knows what really happened, but tells the police, that some one must have broken in to the house. He then moves into the mansion. Years later, he blackmails her into marrying his son by forcing her to testify against an innocent man.

Eighteen years later, Walter has become the district attorney. Walter loves her, but she doesn't love him. Sam, now a drifter and gambler, stops in the small town by chance when he has a car accident and has to wait for it to be repaired.

While waiting he meets Toni, who has just been released from jail. She is later picked up for violating her probation. Sam goes to see Walter, to see if he can get her released. Walter believes that Sam has returned with blackmail in mind. Instead.. Walter and Marta, pull Sam into a tangled web of lies.

I enjoyed the film for two reasons, the performance of Barbara Stanwyck, doing what she does best, playing a ruthless woman, who will do anything to get what she wants and the debut of Kirk Douglas.

Lizabeth Scott (born September 29, 1922). Scott movie debut was in the film, You Came Along (1945).

Paramount called Scott "The Threat," in order to create an onscreen persona for her similar to Lauren Bacall or Veronica Lake. Scott's smoky sensuality and husky voice was perfect for film noir genre and, beginning with, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946), the studio cast her in a series of noir films. Film historian Eddie Muller has noted that no other actress has appeared in so many noir movies.

The dark blond actress was initially compared to Bacall because of a slight resemblance and a similar voice, even more so after she starred with Humphrey Bogart, in the noir, Dead Reckoning (1947).

She also starred in, Desert Fury(1947) and later was paired with Lancaster, Corey and Kirk Douglas in, I Walk Alone (1948). She also starred in the film, Too Late for Tears(1949). After completing the film, Loving You (1957), Elvis Presley's second movie, Scott retired from the screen.

Beware of These Women!: Dawn's Favorite "Bad Girls".

Instead of writing duplicate movie reviews, I decided to put together a list of my favorite, BEWARE OF THESE WOMEN! for Monty's FESTIVAL, for the month of April. We all know her the woman we love to hate, but secretly admire for her lack of tact, compassion, or both. For the month of April, ALL GOOD THINGS, NOIR and CHICK FLICKS, AND THEN THEY START TO SPARKLE, will share their classic favorite "bad girls" with you.

Please click here to view Monty's blog page.

Please click here to view "And Then They Start Sparkling" blog page.

Some of my favorite Femme Fatales include: Mary Astor, in The Maltese Falcon, who does her best to do in, Humprhey Bogart. A private detective who takes on a case that involves him with three harden criminals and their search for a priceless statue.

Joan Bennett, Woman in the Window (1944). Directed by Fritz Lang that tells the story of psychology professor Richard Wanley, who meets and falls in love with a young femme fatale. Wanley, kills Alice's lover in self-defense. Alice is then blackmailed by Heidt, a crooked ex-cop who was the dead man's bodyguard. The story has a wonderful surprise ending.

Please click here to view "Woman in the Window" review.
The term "film noir" began as a genre description, because of this movie. The term first was used to describe American films in French film magazines in 1946, the year when The Maltese Falcon (1941), Double Indemnity (1944), Laura (1944), Murder, My Sweet (1944) and The Woman in the Window were released in France.

Barbara Stanwyck, who lures Fred MacMurray into her murderous plot in, Double Indemnity (1944). Directed by Billy Wilder. The film stars Fred MacMurray as an insurance salesman, Barbara Stanwyck as a housewife who wants her husband dead and Edward G. Robinson as a claims adjuster whose job is to find phony claims.

Both these actresses revised these early roles in later films: Joan Bennett in Scarlet Street ( 1945) and Barbara Stanwyck in, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946).

Another, favorite Femm Fatale, was Lana Turner, in the film, The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946). A story about a married woman and a drifter who fall in love, then plot to murder her husband... but, will they be able to live with what they have done?

Please click here to view "The Postman Always Rings Twice".

Another well known femme fatale is, Rita Hayworth in the film, Gilda (1946), Rita Hayworth, is wonderful as Gilda in this noir classic. From her hair-tossing scene to her song "Put the Blame on Mame,". Hayworth is very convincing in the romantic triangle.

Please click here to view "Gilda" movie review.

She also gives another wonderful performance in the film, The Lady from Shanghai (1948). The story is about a man by the name of, Michael O'Hara, who hires a crew member from Arthur Bannister's yacht, sailing to San Francisco. They pick up Bannister's law partner, on the way. Bannister has a wife, Rosalie, who seems to have taken a liking to Michael. After they reach Sausalito, Michael goes along with Grisby's to fake his murder so he can disappear with out a trace. But Grisby is actually murdered and Michael gets blamed for it. Will he ever know who set him up?

Veronica Lake in, This Gun for Hire (1942), The story is about a hit man Philip Raven, who kills a blackmailer and is paid off by Willard Gates, with "hot" money. Meanwhile, Ellen Graham, girlfriend of police Lieut. Crane is asked to help investigate Gates. Raven, seeking Gates for revenge, meets Ellen on the train their relationship becomes an unlikely team.

Please click here to view " This Gun for Hire" movie review.

Gloria Grahame in, The Big Heat (1953). The story begins when Cop Dave Bannion, is investigating a gang who he things holds power over the police force. Bannion is tipped off after a colleague's suicide and his fellow officers' silence lead him to believe that they are in with the gangsters. When a bomb meant for him kills his wife instead, Bannion with vengeance in his heart, aided by the gangster's spurned girlfriend Debbie, together they use any means necessary to learn the truth.

Please click here to view "The Big Heat" movie review.

Jane Greer in the film, Out of the Past (1947). The story begins when Jeff Bailey, has his dark past catch up with him, when he's ordered to meet with gambler Whit Sterling. He decides to tell his girlfriend his story. Once, Jeff was a private eye hired by Sterling to find his mistress Kathie who shot him and took of with a large amount of money. He catches up with her in, Acapulco... where Femme Fatales Kathie makes Jeff forget all about Sterling... Will Whit's new job for Jeff turn out to be a trap?

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Ava Gardner in, The Killers (1946). The story begins when two professional killers kill a gas station attendant, "the Swede," who's expecting them. Insurance investigator Reardon investigates the case against the orders of his boss. Reardon uncovers a crime, all linked with the mysterious, Kitty Collins.

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Ann Savage in, Detour (1945). The story begins in a flashback: New York nightclub pianist Al Roberts, hitchhikes to Hollywood to join his girlfriend. On a rainy night, the gambler he's riding with dies, afraid of the police, Roberts takes the man's identity. But thanks to a blackmailing dame, Roberts' every move puts him deeper into trouble...

Last but not least, my favorite Femme Fatale.. Gene Tierney in the film noir, Leave her To Heaven(1945).

A color film noir. Cast: Gene Tierney, Cornel Wilde, Jeanne Crain, with Vincent Price, Darryl Hickman, and Chill Wills. The story was adapted for the screen by Jo Swerling, having been based on the best selling novel of the same name authored by Ben Ames Williams. The film was directed by John M. Stahl. Tierney received an Oscar nomination as Best Actress in a Leading Role for this film. This one of my favorite "bad girl" movies. Gene Tierney plays a woman consumed in jealousy and vengeance. You will shocked by her murderous acts. This maybe one of those classic film noirs that you will want to watch over and over again.

The story begins when, Richard Harland is released from prison after serving a two-year sentence, he goes to Deer Lake, Maine and is met by his attorney, Glen Robie. Glen has a canoe waiting for Richard to take him to his lodge, "Back of the Moon," then tells his story to his friend:

A few years earlier, Richard accepts an invitation from Glen to vacation at his ranch in beautiful Jacinto, New Mexico. During the train ride, Richard meets a beautiful woman who says that he reminds her of her late father.



Richard is met at the station by Glen, who tells him that, Ellen Berent and her family, are also staying at the ranch.

During dinner, Ellen tells Richard that they have come to scatter her father's ashes at his favorite spot in the mountains. The next morning, Richard follows and watches while the Berents scatter the ashes.



The next day, Richard admits to Ellen that he asked Glen about her fiance, attorney Russell Quinton, she then tells him that she has taken off her engagement ring. The next night, Russell comes storming into the ranch, after receiving a telegram from Ellen breaking off their engagement and everyone is shocked when Ellen, announces that she is going to marry Richard. Soon after, the couple are married and after a brief honeymoon, the newlyweds travel to Warm Springs, Georgia, to visit Richard's younger brother Danny, who is recovering from polio.

Ellen helps Danny, to walk with crutches and soon they are all headed to Back of the Moon. At the lodge, Ellen soon resents Danny and Leicke Thorne, an old family friend and the time that Richard spends writing his book. The trouble does not end there.. Ellen, becomes angry when Margaret and Ruth show up at the lodge and Richard is embarrassed by his wife's behavior. Margaret and Ruth leave soon after.



One sunny afternoon, Ellen and Danny decide to go out on the lake in a canoe. Ellen follows Danny close behind and Danny and urges him on, but when a cramp takes over Danny, he cries for help and Ellen sits and watches him drown.

Richard believes that Danny's death was an accident, but as time passes, he goes into a deep depression. Hoping to make Richard's happy, Ellen becomes pregnant and Richard begins to look forward to being a father..

The couple have now moved to the Berent home in Bar Harbor and now Ellen, is not happy about the baby and believes that it will come between her and Richard. Ellen decides to throw herself down a flight of stairs and causes the death of her unborn baby.

Ruth, needing a change of scenery makes plans to visit Mexico, which is the setting of Richard's new novel. Ellen, become jealous when she reads that the book is dedicated to Ruth and not to her. Ellen then confesses to Richard, that she murdered Danny and their baby. When Richard leaves her, Ellen comes up with a plan to frame Ruth for her murder. Will Ruth be able to prove her innocence?

Gene Tierney (November 19, 1920 – November 6, 1991). Known as one of the great beauties of her day, she is best remembered for her performance in the film, Laura (1944) and her Academy Award-nominated performance for Best Actress in the film, Leave Her to Heaven (1945). Other well known films: Heaven Can Wait (1943), The Razor's Edge (1946), The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947),Whirlpool (1949), The Mating Season (1951) and The Left Hand of God (1955).