dvd review: film noir classic collection, vol.4

I've got a riddle for you: what do you get when you mix a tough guy with a soft heart, a soft dame with a cold heart, a bunch of coppers, a stool pigeon or two, a whole lot of people of dubious intentions and morality, maybe some dough or a big heist and what do you have. You've got a formula for a great film noir classic. I gotta tell ya, there's something great about watching a great B flick on the screen that will take you places dangerous, dark, fun and sometimes unpredictable, but always enjoyable. If you are already a fan of the genre, you know what I'm talking about. If you are just discovering the genre of films for the first time, it won't be long before you are sucked in. Either way I've got some great news for you: Warner Brothers has released their fourth volume of Film Noir classics in a DVD box set. The aptly named, Film Noir Classic Collection, Vol. 4, was released last week and we've got the straight dope for you. Is the set worth your hard boiled bucks or ill-gotten gain. Are the femmes really fatale and are the guys all that tough? Is the set a Shelf Classic or a dud? Find out in this DVD review of Film Noir Classics Collection, Volume 4.

The Hard Facts:
Film Noir Classic Collection, Vol. 4
10 Films: 2 films each on 5 Discs in keep cases
Studio: Warner Home Video
Black and White
Full-frame/Widescreen
Original Studios: MGM, WB, RKO and Monogram
Release Date: June 31, 2007
Rated: NR for All Films
Stars: Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer, Edward G. Robinson, Audrey Totter, Cyd Charisse, Sterling Hayden, Jean Gillie and more.


Background:
Film Noir. If you can find a concise, universally accepted definition- well, just let me know. Some critics and film scholars will tell you one thing, and I’ve heard quite a few fans say “I’ll know when I see it.” Me, I fall somewhere in the middle. I am definitely a fan of the genre, but in some ways it is a “post-genre” convention. It is a term that was coined by French critic, Nico Frank in 1946. American film makers were unaware of the term and the writings of the French about Film Noir, until well after a bulk of the films often considered part of the genre were made. In other words, more specifically, the words of writer Stanley Rubin (Decoy); “When I wrote the original story for Decoy, I had never heard the term ‘Film Noir.’ I was writing, basically, a film of suspense, of melodrama, of terror.”

Film Noir is as much about the style and look as it is the story and characters. And there are many, many fans and many films out there. You might think there are only a few standouts, but true devotees of the genre know for every one that finally hits DVD, there are at least five others that should be on DVD or are missing altogether. And truthfully, there are some films that fans and scholars alike claim are Film Noir, but are really a stretch to fit it in the genre. So, what we are left with is a fluid, indefinable genre of American film, loosely categorized by French film critics, and loved by many.

Well, maybe that’s not quite accurate. There are few tangible characteristics that we can identify. Generally speaking, Film Noir is a genre of films that were produced in the 1940s and 50s, and they usually run the gamut of procedural police dramas, detective films, potboiler romances gone wrong, hard boiled cop films, gangster flick to the societal crisis film. The have distinguishing features: shadows and unconventional lighting; stereotypical characters like the femme fatale and the private eye; and they really push the envelope of conventional cinema. While the law may usually prevail, there is almost always a cost, and it's not always gonna be a happy ending...or pretty. There are some films where you are hard pressed to find a character with a conscience, or even good intentions. Most of them would be classified as "B" pictures; even the films that we think of today as classics were probably "B" pictures in there day. One thing is for sure, they are different than most of your typically flicks today. And, as Martha ( a hard boiled dame herself) would say: that's a good thing.

The Films:
Wolf and I took each disc as a double feature and we'll review a disc at a time. The films include: Act of Violence, Mystery Street, Crime Wave, Decoy, Illegal, The Big Steal, They Live by Night, Side Street, Where Danger Lives and Tension. We'll look at some in brief and discuss others at length and list the extras included on each disc. Each disc has two films with extras and each is in a keep case.

Crime Wave
Stars: Sterling Hayden, Gene Nelson, Phyllis Kirk and a young Charles Bronson
Crime Wave is a great Film Noir that combines the ex-con and the police procedural angles. Parolee Steve Lacey is trying to live out his life in peace with his wife, Ellen. He's got a job, an apartment: he's got a straight life. Then comes trouble. Some former "friends" from the big house call on him one night after an attempted gas station robbery goes wrong. Soon the cops, lead by no-nonsense Detective Lt. Sims (Hayden), are on top of the crime, tracking down the crooks. Lt. Sims narrows down their hide out choices to former contacts and number one on that list is Steve Lacey. Sims and his crew are all over Steve and his wife, watching their every move. It isn't long before Steve's former cellmates force him into helping him with a bank robbery, with Ellen on ice to make sure he goes through with the job. It's a mess Steve's been forced into, but he's determined to find a way out and be left alone.

Extras: Commentary by James Ellroy and Eddie Muller, Making of featurette: Crime Wave: The City is Dark and the theatrical trailer.

Crime Wave is an excellent procedural film and one in which Sterling Hayden shines. Hayden is not often commended for his acting, but this one of the films in which he inhabits the role so well (the other is The Killing). It's interesting to note that LA Confidential author, James Ellroy, discusses on the commentary track how he based his Bud White character partly on Hayden and his role in this film. In fact he talks alot about how much this film influenced his work. The cinematography is excellent as well, with many of the scenes shot on location in LA. Most interestingly is how Ellroy and Muller identify many of the real locations used in the film, including the actual old LA police department. Crime Wave is one of the best films in this awesome set.

Decoy
Stars: Jean Gillie, Sheldon Leonard, Herbert Rudley and Edward Norris.
Decoy is one of the more different films in this genre that you'll see. The film is told mostly in flashback, told by a dying women named Margot Shelby (Gillie) to police Sergeant Joe Portugal (Leonard). Margot was shot by a mild-mannered Dr. Craig (Rudley), who she had roped into helping her revive her gangster boyfriend after he died in the electric chair. (I told you it was different!) Her boyfriend had hidden the money from his last job, but refused to tell anyone where it was. Margot seduces Dr. Craig and gets him involved in the scheme by having him revive the boyfriend with a concoction called methylene blue. When she is able to get the money's location out of the boyfriend, she kills him. Dr. Craig is stricken with a case of conscience, and realizes the problem he's in and the type of women he's fallen for. The story of the femme fatale, the money, and how the Doctor manages to take out Margot is the sorry story Sgt. Portugal hears as Margot dies in his arms.

Extras: Commentary by Decoy author Stanley Rubin and Glenn Erickson (the DVD Savant!), Making of featurette: Decoy: A Map to Nowhere and the theatrical trailer.

Decoy is definitely different, but it's a fantastic piece of noir. It takes some of the more conventional elements and ratchets them up just a bit. Margot is no ordinary femme fatale; she is powerful and in control, and is homicidal all at the same time. The reviving of the executed gangster boyfriend with drugs is unconventional and also presages the "fantastic" element of Pulp Fiction. The commentary is the best of all the commentaries of the set. Glenn Erickson is very informative and engaging as usual, but it is his conversation with the author of Decoy, Stanley Rubin that is so good. The two talk about his career, the film, the genre and the different aspects of the film without every really resorting to just describing what's on the screen. Decoy is worth seeing several times, just for one the more unique femme fatales on film. And while you know it's a "B" picture, it's perhaps, technically and story wise, one of the better films from Monogram studios.

Act of Violence
Stars: Robert Ryan, Van Heflin, Janet Leigh and Mary Astor
Frank R. Enley (Van Heflin) has returned from the war a broken and changed man. He was captured and interned in a German POW camp for a period of time. Now that he's home and the war is over, he wants to try and adapt back to family life. Then his life is turned upside down when a former fellow soldier, Joe Parkson (Ryan), comes into town. When Enley discovers Parkson is around, he panics. Parkson is intent on killing Enley, for reasons that Enley's wife doesn't understand. It seems that Parkson and Enley were in the POW camp together and there is quite a bit of Enley's war story that he hasn't shared with his wife. A story for which Parkson is determined to make him pay.

Extras: Commentary by Dr. Drew Casper, Making of featurette: Act of Violence: Dealing With the Devil and the theatrical trailer.

Act of Violence was directed by Fred Zinnemann, who directed many hits in different genres like: A Man for All Seasons, Oklahoma!, From Here to Eternity and High Noon (he was also recently portrayed by Peter James Haworth in last year's Hollywoodland). It's an interesting and highly dramatic film from such a talented director. The film also one of the darker films of the set.

Mystery Street
Stars: Ricardo Montalban, Sally Forrest, Bruce Bennett and Elsa Lanchester
Vivian, a girl working at a joint called The Grass Skirt, is eager to get away from her life, her boarding horse room, and meager existence. Her hope is her rich. married boyfriend, whom she believes will take her away from it all. After her shift one night she takes a drunk customer and his car for a ride, heading to meet her boyfriend. After she dumps the drunk out of his own car and drives off stranding him, she is never seen from again. Six months later a skeleton is discovered on Cape Cod. Lt. Pete Morales (Montalban) of the Boston PD is assigned to track down who the remains were and what happened to the victim, and brings the remains to Harvard University forensic specialist, Dr.Dr. McAdoo (Bennett). Using forensic methods, Dr. McAdoo and Lt. Morales determine what really happened to Vivian and discover the identity of her killer.

Extras: Commentary by Alain Silver and Elizabeth Ward, Making of featurette: Mystery Street: Murder at Harvard and the theatrical trailer.

In a way, Mystery Street is CSI before there was CSI. Still a mystery story, it doesn't adopt many of the more conventional noir aspects, but Mystery Street has atmosphere and suspense. It's also a good film that crosses between standard police police procedural and shadowy noir. It's got a good script by former crime reporter, Sydney Boehm, and it's crime and detecting methods portrayed are ahead of it's time.


Where Danger Lives
Stars: Robert Mitchum, Faith Domergue, Claude Rains and Maureen O'Sullivan.
Dr. Jeff Cameron (Mitchum) life is headed in a good direction. He has a woman, Julie (O'Sullivan), who loves him, despite his constantly working, he has an easy way with patients and the respect of his colleagues. Then one night a suicidal patient,Margo Lannington comes into the hospital. She's a beautiful woman who intrigues Dr. Cameron. He treats her and it isn't long until he falls for her. One night Margo tells Jeff that her overbearing father won't let her be with him and Jeff goes to their house to confront him, which Margo begs him to stay away. Jeff goes anyway, perhaps a little drunk, but enboldened to talk to her father. But when Jeff arrives he's surprised to discover that Frederick Lannington (Raines) isn't her father, but her husband. An argument ensues, but Frederick tells them they can run away together, but pushes Jeff's buttons, telling him he doesn't know what he's getting into. A short fight breaks out and leaves Frederick unconscious on the floor and Jeff with a cracked skull. He goes to get some water to revive Frederick, but when he returns, Margo tells him he's dead. The two leave the mansion and run off towards Mexico. All the while, Jeff is fighting the effects of his concussion, and trying to stay one step ahead of the police. The only thing he should have done was to listen to Frederick. He doesn't know Margo as well as Frederick did.

Extras: Commentary by Alain Silver and James Ursini, Making of featurette: Where Danger Lives: White Rose for Julie and the theatrical trailer.

Where danger lives really puts Robert Mitchum through the paces, and it's interesting to watch him play someone gradually weakening throughout the picture due to the concussion. He's actually very good in this film. The story is excellent and while the twist at the end is somewhat expected, it still pays off well. Faith Domergue was a Howard Hughes "protegee" at the time, and he wanted to feature against Mitchum, one of his biggest box office draws. She's capable in the film, but with Mitchum, Raines, and John Farrow directing she benefits from being in able hands. One feels that several other actresses could really done something with the role and made it even better. Claude Raines has a very small role, but it adds a bit of class to the story in a scene that was perhaps a couple of hours of work for the old pro. John Farrow does an excellent job in directing and keeping the pacing of the film tight. Before you have time to try and really figure things out, something else is happening. Farrow also cast his wife, Maureen O'Sullivan in the film in the small role as Mitchums love interest in the beginning. Most of the time she has on screen is spent behind a surgical mask or on the phone. Farrow may not have thought highly of any close up scenes with Mitchum! Where Danger Lives is a good film, because it has talented people involved, but could've been a great film if a few more talented people were involved.

Tension
Stars: Richard Basehart, Audrey Trotter, Cyd Charisse, Barry Sullivan and William Conrad
Tension begins as a domestic sob story. Long suffering milqtoast Warren Quimby (Basehart) has been working night after night as a pharmacist, saving everything he can to be a humble home for himself and his wife Claire (Trotter). His wife isn't exactly the settling type. In fact, she's not really anyone's type but her own. Claire has been going out with other men while Warren works, and "earns" many a trinket from her beaus. One day Claire runs off with another man, Barney; and Warren barely puts up a fight. Warren is heartbroken and obsessed with figuring out how to get Claire to come back to him. One day he goes out to Barney's beachhouse to try to talk Claire into coming back, but ends up getting his face punched and pushed into the sand. At that point, all Warren can think of is revenge and getting away with killing Barney. He decides to create a new identity for himself: Paul Sothern. He trades in glasses for contacts, buys a new wardrobe and even rents another apartment. His plan is to kill Barney, have it blamed on Sothern, and then get rid of any trace of Sothern and return to Warren Quimby blame-free. Two things get in the way of his plan: he meets and falls in love with his nice new neighbor, Mary Chandler; and he discovers at the moment of truth that Claire isn't worth killing for and wrong. He goes back to Mary and intends to forget Claire and spend the rest of his life his new found love. But this is Film Noir! It can't possibly end all happy like this! And it doesn't. Soon after Warren's epiphany, police Lts. Collier Bonnabel (Sullivan) and 'Blackie' Gonsales (Conrad) show up asking questions. It seems Barney was killed after all and the number one suspect is the jilted ex, Warren. But Warren didn't kill him. When he left the beachhouse, Barney was alive... wasn't he?

Extras: Commentary by Alain Silver and Elizabeth Ward with Audrey Trotter, Making of featurette: Tension: Who's Guilty Now? and the theatrical trailer.

This is a potboiler of a film noir and noir vets Richard Basehard and Audrey Trotter are excellent, and that's in spite of a subpar script. Film Noir does typically have these psychological-type underpinnings a struggle between Warren's desire for Claire and desire to be free of the hold she has on him is the primary one here. But the struggle is a bit of a mystery: why does he even want Claire back after he finds peace and happiness with Mary? Claire doesn't even show much affection for Warren and he seems aware of what she does behind his back- well, it's beyond me. Another problem: Lt. Bonnabel, who narrates the story is at one point an all knowing narrator and then when the story changes to a murder story, the narration stalls and he seems to be in the dark. The back and forth doesn't work. Also Bonnabel seems to know Claire, which is never really explained, and all of the sudden he's the one seemingly falling for her. We later learn he's trying to apply pressure (Bonnabel begins the film by explaining how he applies tension to make his suspects crack) to Claire to get at the truth. The film was enjoyable, and the actors were good, but I kept getting distracted by the inconsistancies. I also couldn't get over the fact that Warren would seriously pick cheatin' Claire over Cyd Charisse. Seriously? Cyd freakin' Charisse! Okay fan-boy nerd moment over.

They Live by Night
Stars: Farley Granger and Cathy O'Donnell.
'Bowie' Bowers (Granger) is an escaped convict who wants nothing more than to hide somewhere and live the rest of his life with his girlfriend, Keechie (O'Donnell). But his fellow escapees will have none of that (sound familiar?) and bring Bowie and his girl in on some more jobs. While Bowie isn't exactly a model citizen, he isn't all bad, but he can still be surprisingly cruel. Eventually the cops zero in on Bowie and Keechie as the leaders of the group and the two stay on the run. As the cops close in, and their fate seems inevitable, Bowie and Keechie keep niavely thinking that their ideal life may still be ahead.

Extras: Commentary by Farley Granger and Eddie Muller, Making of featurette: They Live By Night: The Twisted Road and the theatrical trailer.

Adapted from the book by Edward Anderson, They Live by Night is the film noir version of many other types of rebellious boy and girl criminal couples we've seen over the years. The movie was also later remade by Robert Altman as the film Thieves Like Us. It also shares some similarity with Bonnie and Clyde. In fact, the film is seen as a sort of precursor to director Nicholas Ray's later teenage rebellion film, Rebel Without a Cause.

Side Street
Stars: Farley Granger and Cathy O'Donnell.
Joe Norson (Granger) is a mail carrier with a pregnant wife, Ellen (O'Donnell), who is just trying to scrape by. One day, Norson comes across a lot of money and succumbs to temptation and steals it. Unfortunately, the money belongs to some gangsters who want it back...badly. Norson, without knowing the true nature of the money, has a pang of guilt and decides to return the money. When he comes to return the money he eventually finds himself caught up in a murder mystery and stuck between the cops and the gangsters.

Extras: Commentary by Richard Schickel, Making of featurette: Side Street: Where Temptation Lurks and the theatrical trailer.

Hoping to cash in on their previous success with They Live By Night, MGM borrowed Granger and O'Donnell for Side Street. Filmed on location in New York, the film is slickly noir, but retains some Hitchcockian elements of a man in the wrong place at the wrong time. The noir twist is by adding the man making the wrong choice at the wrong time. Entertaining and suspenseful, Side Street is a good flick from director Anthony Mann.

Illegal
Stars: Edward G. Robinson, Nina Foch, Hugh Marlowe and small roles with DeForest Kelley Jayne Mansfield.
District Attorney Victor Scott is a good, but cocky attorney. He's won more cases he can count, but unfortunately his most recent case sends an innocent man (DeForest Kelley) to the chair. Even though Scott tries to stop the execution once he finds evidence of the man's innocence, he is too late. Racked with guilt, Scott drinks himself into a dull stupor. His reputation is ruined, he loses his office and he turns away his only supporter, Ellen Miles who used to work for him and loves him. Scott encourages Ellen to marry her co-worker, Ray Borden, stating that he feels more like a father to her. Having reached bottom, Scott only his way when he finds himself in the drunk tank. Scott discovers that he can defend just as well as prosecute, and tries to restart his career. Soon Scott crosses paths with gangster Frank Garland, whom he once tried to bring down. Garland offers him a sweet deal to serve as his attorney on retainer, but Scott refuses. But when Scott is defending another man, he discovers that Garland his employer. For good or ill, Scott becomes Garland's "mouthpiece". The new district attorney has his suspicions about Scott and believes that someone in the D.A.'s office is a leak. What he doesn't know is that Ray Borden, now Ellen's husband, is the leak and on Garland's payroll. With all the pressure on, Borden is soon discovered dead and Ellen is now on trail for his murder. Scott decides to defend Ellen at all costs, even if that means bringing Garland, and himself, down in the process.

Extras: Commentary by Nina Foch and Patricia King Hanson, Making of featurette: Illegal: Marked for Life, original television show: Behind the Cameras: Edward G. Robinson and the theatrical trailer.

This was another great film, and another instance where a performance by a solid and talented star rescues a mediocre script. Robinson and Foch deliver great performances, and the rest of the cast does well. Jayne Mansfield has a small, but as it turns out, pivotal role in the film: one of her first. This is a remake of an earlier film, The Mouthpiece, which in turn was based on a play. A fun bonus comes in the commentary with Illegal star Nina Foch, who, in addition to her career has taught acting at USC. Ms. Foch doesn't mince any words about all the shortcuts and quickie techniques they used to make the films under budget and under schedule. It's great listening to her and AFI's Patricia King Hanson apparently caught off guard by Foch's honesty and forthrightness. Listening to them is delicious fun. Illegal is not a classic, but good old noir fun.

The Big Steal
Stars: Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer and William Bendix
Duke Holliday (Mitchum) is an American army lieutenant, trying to track down a stolen army payroll in Mexico. He is being chased by army Captain Blake, whom he catches off guard and steals his credentials. Duke is after a smooth-talking hood and grifter named Fiske, who stole the money. Duke believes if he can catch Fiske he can get the money back and return to the army, who may believe Duke is the crook. Attempting to catch Fiske, Duke crosses paths with Fiske's former flame, Joan Graham, who's after Fiske for money he stole from her as well. Soon Joan and Duke are hunting down Fiske together, and they in turn are being chased by Blake and closely watched by police Inspector General Ortega, who is just trying to figure out who is the real bad guy. Duke intially has been pretending to be Blake, which adds to the confusion. Graham falls for Holliday as she learns more about him and learns to trust him. The money of course ends at a dangerous crossroads for all involved.

Extras: Commentary by Richard B. Jewell and the Making of featurette: The Big Steal: Look Behind You.

Out of all of the movies in the set, this is perhaps the least "noirish" of all. And yet, it's the film I enjoyed the most. It has a reputation as being a film that Howard Hughes used to get Mitchum released from jail early, when he was arrested on drug charges, and slapped together hastily. Hughes pulled Greer in to costar with Mitchum, with whom she had previous starred in the great noir, Out of the Past. Despite all of this, The Big Steal comes off as a chase movie than a noir, and great fun at that. It's great to see Mitchum and Greer together again, and their easy chemistry plays well and allows them to have fun with the material. The performance seems to be done sort of tongue in cheek by everyone involved. Bendix is also great and Ramon Novarro turns in a great and funny turn as the police inspector. The film also doesn't offer any pretensions and clocks in at a short 71 minutes. All in all, The Big Steal is great fun and worth watching again and again. Nevermind what the critics say.

Video/Audio:
The video transfers are excellent, with several of the films recieving excellent treatment with clear and crisp black and white prints. The audio is equally good. With a few exceptions here and there (there were a couple of discernable scratches on some of the prints, but not worth hollering about), but overall the set is quite good.

The Bottom Line:
If you are a Film Noir film fan, there is no question that you'll love this set. If you are new to the genre, or are trying to discover more, these aren't the classic noir films. But that's ok. There are a few "classics", but there are so many "great" and "good" films out there worth discovering as well. This set has a few greats and a lot of good flicks worth your time. It's been one of my favorites sets of the genre since the first volume of the series. The commentaries are fairly standard, but there are a few (Illegal, Crime Wave and Decoy) that are fascinating. The other making of features are worth a look and done stylishly with the participation of noir experts and enthusists alike. I wouldn't have any reservations about recommending this set to any film fan. There is something for every noir fan, and besides - what a deal! Ten great and good flicks for a standard 5 film set price. Definitely recommened.

Review Rating:
Rating films has been more of a sticky widget with some Shelfers than I thought. A few have asked about the hows and whys, so let me briefly explain: we take alot of things into consideration: quality of the film itself, features and the relevance thereof, the story and performances, and more. We aren't comparing them to, say, Casablanca, but more so to there genre (or other films in the same set) and taking each film on on it's own merits.

That being said, individually grading the films, Wolf and I assigned the following:
Crime Wave: A
Decoy: B
Where Danger Lives : B
Tension: B+
The Big Steal: A+
Illegal: B
Act of Violence: B
Mystery Street: B
They Live By Night: B+
Side Street: B
Overall rating: 4 stars (Groucho Glasses)






Many of the films are worth watching again, and this set is a worthy addition to any film collection. If you have the previous 3 volumes of this line from Warner Home Video, what are you doing reading this? Go out and get it!
Film Noir Classic Collection, Vol. 4 is a Must Have.



Once upon a time there was a little cat who had a little mouse right in his paws but he let the little mouse go that later he could follow that little mouse into a group of little "mouses"..."mice"!

unbelievable

I guess it isn't totally unbelievable. I just wanted to throw up a link to this story about the mayor of Macon, GA sending a "letter of solidarity" to Hugo Chavez. What an idiot.



Please feel free to comment if the need strikes you.

“Any man can make mistakes, but only an idiot persists in his error”

episode 2: a new hope

A new hope, as in, I hope we will have a better handle on the technical difficulties. Wolf and I will be talking Westerns tomorrow afternoon; specifically influencial Westerns of the 20th century. We'll give our list of 20 influencial films of the genre, how they influenced or changed it, or brought new ideas and conventions to the genre. Just a warning - we won't be including all of our favorites, and we may leave of one of yours or a couple you may think of- so listen in. Call us up to put in your two cents!

Call in with your comments and questions at (646) 716-8261. You can go to our show page at this blogtalkradio link. If you prefer email before or during the show at randomshelf@hotmail.com.

We'll put up our list here as a post after the show so the discussion can continue! Tune in!





Sticks and stones can break your bones but words cause permanent damage!

an embarrassment of riches

Ladies and Germs, I bear great tidings. Or more accurately, the great website, TV Shows on DVD bring us great tidings. The official announcement has been given that I look forward to every year: The new Looney Tunes Golden Collection, Vol. 5, will be released October 30th. There will be four discs, as usual, each dedicated to a theme. Disc 1 is set to be Bugs and Daffy. Disc 2 will be Fairy Tales, and disc 3 will be The Best of Bob Clampett. Disc 4 will be The Early Daze. Sounds intriguing, right? Check out the link to TV Shows on DVD for a complete rundown of all 60 shorts and extra features. Among some of the shorts I'm most looking forward to (who am I kidding? I'm looking forward to all of them) are: Ali Baba Bunny, Buccaneer Bunny, Stupor Duck, Bewitched Bunny, Tweety and the Beanstalk, Bacall to Arms, Scrap Happy Daffy and more Snafu cartoons. I'm also looking forward to one of the extras in particular; the inclusion of the full length documentary, Chuck Jones: Extremes and In-Betweens. Amazon is already set up for pre-order.

It all sounds great. You may see some fans quibbling about what is or isn't there. You won't hear any from me. I'm just glad to have more great Looney Tunes on DVD. I still remember the days of VHS, where you had a better chance of finding more Looney Tunes occasionally on television, than finding a bunch of them on Video. Video was mostly the same old, same old, over and over again. Not only that, we've got great classic Disney shorts, Popeye, Woody Woodpecker, Droopy and more on DVD. That was unheard of when I was a kid- in fact, owning any of them was an impossible dream. You'll forgive me if I shed a joyful tear when I think of the oath I swore as an eight year old dreamer: "One day I'm going to have all the cartoons and show them on TV when I want." To me, all this great classic and Saturday morning animation on DVD is an embarrassment of riches. And to an eight year old, a dream coming true.



Consequences, shmonsequences, as long as I'm rich.

viva las roundup

Before we begin today's roundup, let me add a little disclaimer: There's a whole lotta Elvis out there!
Thank you.
This is one of those weeks, Shelfers, where we will actually be reviewing several of the titles included in today's edition of the roundup. So keep checking back. In fact we should have a DVD review a day for the rest of the week. So settle in for a wild one today. We may not be headlining a Vegas show- but we've got what it takes to entertain!

DVD:
Top Shelf Pick of the Week!
TCM Spotlight: Myrna Loy and William Powell Collection

When Warner's released The Thin Man Box set in 2005, it was like a megawatt bomb being dropped on film fans: everyone felt the effects. It became Warner Home Video's best selling Box set, surpassing previous title holders the Astaire and Rogers Sets. I believe it's success encouraged WHV to dig further and release more great classic films and to continue to do it right. Fans do their part by buying up the sets for their collections, and courage even others to do more. Hence, we have today the long promised set of the rest of Powell and Loy's films on DVD. The Great Ziegfeld and Libeled Lady are also out there, so today it is possible to have a complete William Powell and Myrna Loy collection (unless you count The Senator was Indiscreet in which Myrna had a cameo- we're still waiting on that one).
This set includes the films Manhattan Melodrama, Evelyn Prentice, Double Wedding, I Love You Again and Love Crazy. Each disc has special features including shorts and cartoons, plus a radio adaptation of Love Crazy on that disc. The TCM Spotlight Collection: The Myrna Loy and William Powell Collection is at the top of our list!
We will have a full review of the set up soon, so keep checking The Shelf!

Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!
Elvis: The Hollywood Collection
If you haven't been able to tell there's a whole lotta Elvis going on. That's because this month marks the 30th Anniversary of his death. Why we have to mark and celebrate someone's life on the anniversary of their death is beyond me, but I digress. This anniversary means a lot of Elvis tributes, television specials, re-released CDs and lots of Elvis being released and re-released on DVD. And I mean a lot. First up is the Elvis: The Hollywood Collection Box set which includes the films Charro!, Girl Happy, Kissin' Cousins, Live a Little, Love A Little, Stay Away, Joe and Tickle Me. We will have a full review of this set up later this week! Aren't we special? No - you are special. We're working hard for you!


More Elvis:
Jailhouse Rock, Viva Las Vegas, Lights, Camera, Elvis!
I've said before that I'm not a big fan of the "beach/clambake" musicals of the 60s, and I know some of Elvis' films fall into this category. In fact many music fans claim that his films are what killed his music during the 60s, until his popular comeback of '68. Some musicians and critics claim that the "Hollywood-zation" of Elvis was a blow to music and what Elvis had started. John Lennon even went as far as to say that Elvis' stint in the army is what "killed him". Lennon also stated that Elvis and his music had a great affect on him (as did many other artists claim) "Nothing really affected me until I heard Elvis. If there hadn't been an Elvis, there wouldn't have been a Beatles."

Of course, legions of fans decry any criticism of Elvis. I kind of fall in the middle. I love his music, and like some of his films, but not all of them. Elvis wanted to be a movie star as much as the Hollywood machine wanted to make him one. He just wasn't the most talented actor on Earth. That doesn't mean he didn't make good films or even entertaining films. And don't forget - some those Elvis songs that we all know and love started out as songs for his movies. And if nothing else a lot these films end up being campy fun. Not Citizen Kane, but not everything needs to be to be a great and fun film. I think Jailhouse Rock, Viva Las Vegas, and King Creole are among some of the best he did and if that's what you are looking for and more- this your week.

Re-released or out for the first time on DVD are deluxe two disc special editions of Jailhouse Rock and Viva Las Vegas, more titles from Warner Brothers like: It Happened at The World's Fair, Harum Scarum, Spinout, The Trouble With Girls, Double Trouble and Speedway .(most of which were previously released in The Elvis Presley Collection from WHV in 2004)
Also from MGM the Lights, Camera, Elvis! Box Set which features the films: King Creole, G.I. Blues, Blue Hawaii, Roustabout, Girls! Girls! Girls!, Fun in Acapulco, Paradise, Hawaiian Style and Easy Come, Easy Go.
Like I said before, If you love Elvis- this is your week.
And for the next few weeks we'll have reviews of several of these Elvis releases, so stay tuned.

Wait! Even More Elvis!
Elvis: That's The Way It Is
This is Elvis
Elvis had some great concert footage on television. In fact his Hawaii concert in the early 70s was the first one broadcast via satellite. So if you already own the MGM Elvis Comeback Special '68 DVD set, you'll want to add these two to your collection. Elvis: That's the Way It Is and This is Elvis. The first is a witness to the birth of Vegas Elvis. It is a edited concert of footage of the rehearsals and his six night headlining the Las Vegas Hilton International Hotel. The second is a sort of a docu-drama the life of Elvis Presley mixed in with concert footage. Both are two disc special editions with extra footage and special features. Anyway you cut it the Elvis fan in your life (even if that's you!) would love to add any of these to their collections.

More DVD Goodness!

It ain't all Elvis today folks. Some other great stuff hits the stores today!
Feasting on Asphalt: Season 1
If you listened to me last week, then you watched the first episode of Feasting on Asphalt 2 and found out, once and for all, that Alligator does not taste like chicken. I am willing to take Alton's word for it. If you're enjoying the second season of FOA, then you might want to pick up the 3 disc set of Feasting on Asphalt Season 1: Takeout Edition. Included in the set is 3 more hours of never before seen footage. Pick it up- Alton will be pleased. And can anyone find me one of those great FOA ballcaps that he wears?


Hot Fuzz
From the guys who brought you Shaun of the Dead (in case you forgot, don't worry- it's plastered everywhere. Take a look at the big sticker on the DVD), comes Hot Fuzz. I've heard good things about the film and am interested to see it but I haven't. So let's go to someone who has.
Wolf saw the film and says: "It was great, you had to be open to it. If you are fans of their other film, you'll love it. But if you've never seen this style of comedy before, watch it and keep an open mind with it, you'll like it."
That's good enough for me. I plan on checking it out. Their are plenty of extras too, including the stars of the film, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, acting out a scene as Sean Connery and Michael Caine. That piques my interest. Well played, sir. Well played.

Flash Gordon: Savior of the Universe Edition
I know that many fans are licking their chops, waiting to get their paws on this one. Great Alex Ross DVD art on the cover? Check! A great 80s sci-fi pop culture classic finally remastered on DVD? Check! Beautiful video and audio? Check! Tons of extras? Ch- wait a minute. Hold the phone.
This edition does have a few extras- including a commentary by Alex Ross, a featurette about the screenwriter and an chapter of the 1936 serial of Flash Gordon. Well, that's all fine and dandy; but the British version, The Silver Anniversary Edition had more. Like commentary from the director and one of the stars, interviews, production stills, and much more. Darn the Europeans! I'm not knocking it, especially because I know fans are eager to get it- just be forewarned. Caveat Emptor. If you know that going it, you'll still love getting this 80s classic.



Television:
Don't forget the second episode of Feasting on Asphalt 2 this Saturday!

TCM:
Shelf Picks for Turner Classic Movies
As always, check local listings for times.


All this month on TCM is the annual Summer Under the Stars celebration. Each night a different star is featured. Here are our picks for this week!

Aug. 8: Star: Dana Andrews
A Walk in the Sun (1946), Beyond A Reasonable Doubt (1956), Comanche (1956) and The Best Years Of Our Lives (1946)

Aug. 9: Star: Myrna Loy
All six of The Thin Man movies! (1934-46), Libeled Lady (1936), Love Crazy (1941) and The Bachelor And The Bobby-Soxer (1947).

Aug. 10: Star: Vincent Price
Tower Of London (1962), House Of Usher (1960) and The Masque Of The Red Death (1964).

Aug. 11: Star: Doris Day
Please Don't Eat The Daisies (1960), Lover Come Back (1961), That Touch of Mink (1962) and Love Me Or Leave Me (1952).

Aug. 12: Star: Alan Ladd
The Badlanders (1958), Shane (1953), Whispering Smith (1948) and 13 West Street (1962).

Aug. 13: Star: June Allyson
Two Girls And A Sailor (1944), Good News (1947), Little Women (1949) and The Glenn Miller Story (1954).


That's it for the roundup today, folks. Don't forget to check back with us this week for lots of DVD reviews. Stay tuned!




I often wished I could turn your head - on a spit, over a slow fire.

the shelf is on the air

Yes, you read that right. As of tomorrow, the Shelf will be on the air, live! And you can call in throw in your opinion or comments. The show is The Shelf on the Air and is on the Blogtalkradio network; the same network as our friends the Geekerati show. Hopefully, you will continue to hear our weekly roundup on Geekerati, so be sure to tune in every Monday Night at 10pm est/ 7pm pst.

Now you can tune in every week and listen to me and Wolf pontificate, pundificate and generally discuss everything that we discuss here on a regular basis: classic films, current films, society, politics, the internet, entertainment and more.

Tune in on your computer by clicking the link below. We're on the air from 4 pm to 5pm est (or 1 pm to 2 pm pst). Call in with your comments and questions at (646) 716-8261. Or if you have a headset with mic or a microphone hooked up to your computer you can go to our show page at this blogtalkradio link, and hit the "Click to Talk" button that appears during the live show. You can talk free of charge. Or if you prefer email before or during the show at randomshelf@hotmail.com.

On tomorrow's show, we'll be discussing the 80s and its lasting influence in memory and pop culture. We'll especially focus on our favorite films of the 80s, so if you have a favorite, call into the show. We'll also be reviewing some DVDs and CD so tune in!





Sticks and stones can break your bones but words cause permanent damage!

hollywood horror show

I saw the trailer for the new film Beowulf last night and thought that I would share with you my thoughts- but in a different way. Since I wasn't online at the time to do"liveblogging", I'm going to sort of do "previously-taped-before-a-live-audience-blogging" (patent pending). So here we go...

Announcer: Coming soon in November of 2007 : Beowulf.

ME: Beowulf, huh? I thought that was that terrible movie with Christopher Lambert.

Announcer: This is not that terrible movie with Christopher Lambert. That was 1999. This is 2007, keep up.

ME: What?

Announcer: From Robert Zemeckis and starring Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, John Malcovich, Robin Wright Penn and Ray Winstone as...Beowulf...

ME: Ok...I kind of like those guys, this should be interesting... I liked Beowulf in school...hmmm.

Announcer: Like I care...

ME: What? Who said that?

Announcer: I mean, "One of the greatest legends ever told..."

**Trailer begins, shadowy images of the actors come across the screen, with a female reciting lines from the film. Names of actors, the director and the writer flash across the screen**

ME: Ok... kind of cool I wonder how they are going to do the monster?
...
The music sounds cool...
...
Oh look, written by Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary. Hopefully they'll make a Sandman movie one of these days...
...
Is that guy Beowulf? He kind of looks...like a plastic He-Man character.
...
Grendel's mom must be Angelina Jolie... and that must be her...naked...and...shiny?
...
Something about this is weird.
...
That sounds like Anthony Hopkins, but it looks like he washed his face with Botox. I wish they would stop with the shadowy figure shots and just show a char...
...
OH MY GOD, IT'S CGI!!!!!
MAKE IT STOP!!!
MY EYES!!!
THEY AREN'T PEOPLE!!!
IT ISN'T GOOD ANIMATION!!!
IT ISN'T EVEN GOOD CGI!!!
IT'S...IT'S... SOYLENT GREEN!!!
...
It's...it's ....it's like The Polar Express and that Final Fantasy movie got together and sired a goth emo kid!...Why?Why?Why?
*sob*
...
Make it go away... (I bury my head in my pillow until it's over)
...
**Suddenly my wife is shaking my shoulder. I look around and see that I'm in bed.**
Wife: What is the matter with you? You keep talking in your sleep. Are you OK?

ME: Yea...it must've been a dream. No... a nightmare.

Wife: What dream?

ME: Never mind... it's probably better to completely forget about it. Go back to sleep.

**Wife rolls over and mutters to herself**
Wife: That's the last time I'll let him eat cookie dough before bed....

ME: It was just a nightmare... wasn't it?



Was it?



You tell everybody. Listen to me, Hatcher. You've gotta tell them! Soylent Green is people! We've gotta stop them somehow!

is it warm in here to you?

I just wanted to use the blogger's privilege of being able to ramble incoherently about a topic that just popped into my head. I may say some regrettable things, but if I do I'll apologize when the sun comes up. A while back, I was listening to the radio on a Sunday night while handling some paperwork. I have no idea how I got to the station I was on. I usually have talk radio going and half the time I'm not even listening. On this particular night, the station was playing religious programming. This would be obvious to some, but in my line of work you rarely know one day of the week from another. As I listened to the preacher spill his sermon and earn his dollar, I picked up on something I had heard before in a different setting somewhere in life. He said , "Are you a thermometer Christian or a thermostat Christian?" I can't remember where I had heard it, but it is an old yarn. I've always heard it applied to religion and morality. Today I wish to apply it to something which is somewhat askew to religion and morality: Hollywood.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think I'm the only one out there bashing the beautiful people. With so much negative said about Hollywood and her henchmen, why are we constantly presented with the same wilted flowers and told to savor the aroma? Isn't that what capitalism is for? If folks don't like an actor or the morals of a certain film and they decide not to attend, how does that response illicit repeat offenses by the rich and famous? I honestly wouldn't pay to see Robin Williams in anything. Does anybody have the time line of when he stopped being funny? I know it was a long time ago. If this unfunny man ceased to be entertaining a long time ago, how does he still find work as a comic? There are obviously plenty of people who disagree with my theory about 'Mork' to convince him to keep doing his silly voices and saying the 'F' word. Let the man do his 'drama' pieces, but for the love of heaven don't let him squint his eyes and try to make us laugh. All insults aside, I realize that 'Mork' does entertain some folks and that's what keeps him going. The market does not necessarily agree on a person's talent or opinions all the time. This allows that person to continue with a career as they have at least some people who enjoy what they offer. My question is: what happens when the market does agree on something?

With movies like 'The Passion of the Christ", "Star Wars", "Indiana Jones" and other such offerings we saw evidence of a the majority of the market agreeing on something they liked. There's an extreme amount of power in the majority of a nation's consumers agreeing on something. I typically see the market agreeing in the positive. Why is it that as consumers, we are so easily influenced to watching or listening to pure garbage because it won a Grammy or Oscar? I'm guilty of it. I can think of a few times where I forced myself to watch something because I'd read that it was "an important piece". Sometimes the statements have merit, but I've had plenty that left me thinking, "Did I watch the same thing thy did?" I go along thinking this is just me thinking differently than others. I'm happy to learn through conversation that there are plenty others sharing my opinions on some of these films. Why do we take Hollywood's word for it? Why are we thermometer audiences and not thermostat audiences? Why do we continuously let the folk out in Hollywood tell us what's good and what's not? I always thought they were just supposed to present a product and our reaction would tell them of it's value.

Hollywood is a thermostat type of entity. They control what we receive as blockbuster films. Some actors keep getting referred to as 'A-list' and are constantly allowed to torture us with a seemingly endless stream of poop that a great dane couldn't bury (I'm looking at you Clooney. You think your being Linus, but you're too much like Lucy bro.) I feel like there is some fighting back with downloads and such on the internet with music and movies. I'm not officially advocating breaking the law, but it seems that a lot of folks are tired of paying premium price for sub-par work. The amazing thing is how Hollywood just avoids changing the way they are to fit the consumer and stomps their feet while they whine about how the public is not qualified to come to judge their "talent". Is this total ego and ignorance or is this staunch anti-capitalism? Maybe that's it. There are an awful lot of entertainers who show shades of socialism......




Please feel free to comment if the need strikes you.

“ Hollywood is where they shoot too many pictures and not enough actors.”

everything's roundup

Hey gang- it's time for the roundup. Let's see...Archie's here, Betty's here...Veronica too. Reggie's here...hey Jughead, where are you?
Sorry, I couldn't resist. I've had that tune in my head for two days now. What tune? Why the theme song to The Archie Show of course. This is a really one of a kind week. There are so many must have sets this week, that in a rare event, all of them have earned our Top Shelf pick! I'm not kidding. I highly recommend all of the selections today to be sterling additions to your DVD library. Why? Well, let's get on with it, and you will surely see. And yes, I know your name is not Shirley.

DVD
Top Shelf Pick of The Week!
Film Noir Collection Vol. 4
Popeye
The Archie Show
300

First up: Film Noir Classics Collection Vol. 4
After three previous sets, I believe some people believed that Warner's pretty much scraped the bottom of the barrel. But Film Noir fans know better! We're just getting started it seems. Sure the big name and familiar classics have already been released, but this is where things get interesting. Volume 4 contains the most diverse, hardboiled and odd assortment of Film Noir yet. There are a few legends thrown in for good measure.
There are 10 films in this set, including: Act of Violence, Mystery Street, Crime Wave, Decoy, Illegal, The Big Steal, They Live by Night, Side Street, Where Danger Lives and Tension. That's Five discs with a double feature on each disc. With some great commentary tracks and behind the featurettes, this set is for keeps. Wolf and I have been checking it out for the past week, and we'll have a full review of the set up tomorrow. Don't miss it! And just to whet your appetite, how about a trailer from one the great films included in the set starring Robert Mitchum and Jane Greer: The Big Steal. (Clip courtesy of Turner Classic Movies!)




Next: Popeye the Sailor: 1933-1938, Vol. 1!
Mark my words, this is one of the most important animation DVD releases this year; perhaps even of the past few years. For many years, Popeye has gotten short shrift on DVD, while distributors were quibbling over rights. Now, beginning with this set, all of that has been resolved. These are the original Fleischer Studios shorts in all their glory. They have been transferred from original 35mm nitrate materials and the results are fantastic. The sound and video are nothing short of greatness, and fans and animation fans in general should be rushing out (or rushing online) to order their set. Included on this four disc set are 58 black-and-white theatrical shorts, 2 color two reel films and more than 5 hours of incredible bonus features, including several feature length documentaries: I Yam What I Yam: The Story of Popeye the Sailor and Forging the Frame: The Roots of Animation 1900-1920. Also included are several bonus shorts from the Out of the Inkwell series from Fleischer Studios. Leonard Maltin has described this set in one word: "perfect". I can't think of a better description.

On to: The Archie Show!
Strong flashbacks to my childhood immediately flood my mind just thinking about this set. Wolf and I are big Archie fans from way back, and while we weren't around when the show originally came out, I saw later incarnations on Saturday mornings (Archie's Funnies, etc.) and we saw several episodes that came out on VHS. Now the complete series of the first incarnation of the show is out on DVD, and the discs are made to look like old fashioned 45's. If you don't know what those are, well wikipedia it and come back to us. The Archie Show had great tunes composed and sung by a full fledged band that had a hit record or two (ever heard of Bang-Shang-A-Lang, Jingle Jangle or Sugar, Sugar?)
The set includes all 32 episodes from this first series, an interview with the Archie Show producer Lou Scheimer; a booklet that features a reproduction of a story from the first "Everything's Archie" comic book, an image gallery and something really cool. An interactive "jukebox" that will let you just plug it in and play any song that was featured on the show. Groovy! Alright, I guess that's enough fan boy earnestness for one day. OK, maybe not - you cats need to get it today!

Lastly, 300!
We really liked this film when it first came out, as did many of you. We've heard from readers and other commentators not only was the film cinematically breathtaking, it was inspiring. But it was somewhat controversial. I say that it's a great example of creative, inspiring and visually stunning film making that Hollywood used to do. Said to say, it is a rare thing nowadays. It is most definitely a grown-up films, it's not for kids. It may be a little violent for some adults even, but I thought it was handled in very visual style that is different than just run of the mill shoot 'em-ups. The story is very inspiring and director Zack Snyder did a fantastic job of translating Frank Miller's original graphic novel to the screen.
300 releases today in several versions, but I got the two disc widescreen special edition. The video and sound is just as vibrant and crisp as it was in the theater. Included is a commentary from Snyder, screenwriter Kurt Johnstad and Director of Photography Larry Fong. The Bonus features on the two disc special edition include several documentaries: The 300- Fact or Fiction? (historians and film makers discuss the historical relevance and approach to 300) and Who Were The Spartans: The Warriors of 300. Also included are The Frank Miller Tapes which discusses the creator's efforts with the graphic novel and the film; deleted scenes; and all of the behind the scenes webisodes that were produced during the making of the film.

Last Week:
I know - we didn't have a round up last week, but I can't let it go by without naming the Top Shelf Picks from last week and encouraging that you add them to your collection:
Firstly, the Classic Musicals from the Dream Factory, Vol. 2 set from WHV, which we reviewed extensively here.
Also don't neglect to pick up yet another great animation set: The Woody Woodpecker and Friends Classic Cartoon Collection! Three DVDs of classic Walter Lantz animated goodness. Included in the set is ten-year chronology of Woody (45 shorts from 1940-1952), plus many of the other classic theatrical shorts released by Lantz that had some other famous characters: Chilly Willy, Andy Panda and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. All of the shorts are uncut and have been transferred from original negatives and restored and the audio remastered.
Also included are some great bonus features including some footage of Walter Lantz himself talking about his characters and showing how to draw Woody and pals. Also included are several other behind-the-scenes featurettes, and the special Halloween episode of The Woody Woodpecker TV Show which featured the short Spook-a-Nanny. With all this animated goodness, from Woody and Droopy to Popeye and Archie- this is the year for classic animation. If you have these in your collection, you will have (along with Looney Tunes Golden Collections and Walt Disney Treasures ) the most comprehensive set of classic animation that has ever been available to the personal collector. Don't miss out.

Television:
(check all local listings for times)
Food Network
It was great last year, so why not do it again? Feasting on Asphalt 2: The River Run begins this Saturday at 9pm (est). Alton and his motorcycle gang will be checking out the cuisine all along the mighty Mississippi.
Also a fairly new show that I have been enjoying as of late is Glutton for Punishment. Bob, the host (or Glutton I guess) is trying to learn all the ins and outs of food competition and preparation. He works for a week, trying to learn how to do anything from competitive oyster shucking to the secret of eating chilies, and then he goes out and attempts to compete with his new found skills. Bob is at most, very humble and recognizes true greatness when he sees it and verifies just how hard some of this stuff is. It's a good show and worth checking out.

Turner Classic Movies:
Shelf Picks for TCM
It's the Summer Under the Stars at TCM!


All this month on TCM is the annual Summer Under the Stars celebration. Each night a different star is featured. Here are our picks for this week!

Aug. 1: Star: Elizabeth Taylor
National Velvet (1944), A Date With Judy (1948), Ivanhoe (1952) and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (1958)

Aug. 2: Star: Peter O'Toole
Man of La Mancha (1972), Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Becket (1964) and Lord Jim (1965).

Aug. 3: Star: Joan Crawford
Above Suspicion (1943), Mildred Pierce (1945) and the documentary: Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star (2002).

Aug. 4: Star: William Holden
Arizona (1940), Escape From Fort Bravo (1953), Stalag 17 (1953) and Executive Suite (1954).

Aug. 5: Star: James Stewart
Harvey (1950), Bend of the River (1952), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), Anatomy Of A Murder (1959) and The Naked Spur (1953).

Aug. 6: Star: Robert Mitchum
Out of the Past (1947), The Big Steal (1950), The Racket (1951) and Thunder Road (1958).


Well, that's all gang. Stay tuned Shelfers, our Film Noir, Vol.4 DVD review is coming up next.



I'm the kind of guy who doesn't like to turn around, Chiquita, besides, that there's a guy behind me with a gun. Remember?