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Send us a text The gloves stay on for this episode of the Shadows of Noir podcast, as Marc and Dan stick with the boxing-noir subtype. Also released in 1949, just like The Set-Up from last episode, there is plenty of room for comparing and contrasting the two films. Marc and Dan dive deep into the story’s situations, character choices, and also the larger, deeper questions that the film poses. If you enjoy narrative analysis and dissecting character development, this is one you won’t want to skip. 

Send us a text Marc and Dan are back for another round as they dissect the 1949 boxing noir, The Set-Up. Expertly crafted by Robert Wise, this drama shows how the passage of time changes so much, yet certain elements of human nature can persist through the ages. With a standout performance from Robert Ryan, and wonderful supporting roles by several others, The Set-Up is a subtly complex story told through excellent acting and beautiful visual compositions. 

Send us a text 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!

Send us a text 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.

Send us a text 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!

Send us a text 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.   Website: https://shadowsofnoir.com/

Send us a text 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! Related Books on: https://shadowsofnoir.com/ 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)

Send us a text 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! https://shadowsofnoir.com/

Send us a text 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! https://shadowsofnoir.com/ https://shadowsofnoir.com/product/nightmare-alley/

Send us a text 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/

Send us a text 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. https://shadowsofnoir.com/

Send us a text 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

Send us a text Get your raincoat, because Marc and Dan are discussing The Spiral Staircase for episode 19! Amidst a powerful storm, in a big, dark house, we have a thrilling noir that stands the test of time. Directed and photographed by film noir legends Robert Siodmak and Nicholas Musuraca, respectively, this film looks like few others in the film noir canon. Join Dan and Marc for an in-depth look at the story progression, the characters, the visuals, the themes, and more!  https://shadowsofnoir.com

Send us a text Join us for an in-depth discussion of one of Marc's favorite films, Born to Kill. Under the direction of the ever-versatile Robert Wise, Claire Trevor and Lawrence Tierney give us two of the darkest characters in all of film noir. This one pushes the limits in many ways, and is almost made for analysis. Tune in while Dan and Marc cover many aspects of the film and its lasting legacy within the film noir canon. https://shadowsofnoir.com

Send us a text Huge announcement for the Shadows of Noir podcast! Previous guest Marc Hinkley has come on board as co-host! Thrilled to announce that Marc will be co-hosting the show going forward, bringing his knowledge, insights, and interest to the discussions. To kick off the new format, we dive deep into the 1946 film Black Angel. We discuss several aspects of the movie, including the set design, cinematography, literary adaptation, underlying themes, and characters. Hope you enjoy!