ASK EDDIE - April 11, 2024

FNF prez Eddie Muller responds to film noir fan questions fielded by the Foundation's Director of Communications Anne Hockens. In this episode, we discuss “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans”, classic era TV noir, color noir, the multitalented Ida Lupino, and more. Plus, we discuss the first film noir we saw and end the show with a round on “Neo-noir or Not?”. On the cat front, Charlotte takes center stage.

This week’s questions:
1. Did either of you watch the recent FX series “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans”? And we have the TV remake of “Laura”, in 1968. Have you ever seen this version, Eddie?
—James
2. We can see how film noir movies of the classic period were influenced by the novels of Hammett, Chandler, Cain and others. My question is which writers have been most influenced by classic film noir movies?
—Wiliam
3. I remember something from my first viewing of “His Kind of Woman” that simply didn’t unfold when I watched it this time. Did I dream that Vincent Price rides to the rescue aboard a bulldozer? I remember being thrown for a similar loop rewatching “Oceans 11”. I seemed to recall them escaping with the $$$ aboard a plane and the loot escaping out the rear loading hatch. Is there another crime film where the loot is blown out of a plane?
—Eric
4. Was just wondering what was the first Noir you remember seeing, and did you watch it realizing it was a Noir?
—J.
5. Have you ever seen “The Unlighted Road” starring James Dean? Can you think of any other one-off anthology series episodes from that era like this that are rare gems of noir?
—Dennis from Champlain, N.Y.
6. I recently watched “Dixie Ray: Hollywood Star” (1982) also known as “It's Called Murder, Baby” in its R rated cut. Have you seen it, and do you know of any other adult films from the golden age that pay homage to film noir?
—James in Atlanta
7. Could you please explain the difference between the phrases "programmers" and "B-movies" as they relate to quickly made, low-budget movies?
—Doug, Silver Spring, MD
8. I have a question re: the wonderful Ida Lupino. She is one of my favorite actresses. I’d like to know if you know of any biographies or other books you could recommend re: Miss Lupino ? Lastly, Eddie and Anne, how do you rate her in her film noir roles and as an actress in general.
—Craig from Carlsbad (and elsewhere)
9. "Point Blank" I believe to be the greatest film noir shot in color. Is there a better noir color film Eddie?
—Alan, San Anselmo, CA.
10. Bob from the Saturday Evening Post here. How about a quick round of Neo-Noir or Not?
“Drive” (Ryan Gosling)
“Payback” (Mel Gibson)
Tequila Sunrise” (again with Gibson)
“Hard Eight” (Philip Baker Hall)

[jubalcalif]

Another wonderful episode ! Sadly, I didn't get a chance to watch live. But I love how we can see it later here at YT or over on Facebook. Lots of great questions ! Anne & Eddie are the BOMB !! 👍😎❤

[Jerryjohnson-ig]

The finale of Armored Car Robbery (1950), has William Talman and the stolen loot scatter over the airport runway as the plane propeller (off screen) make mincemeat out of him.

[nelson-kighthomemovies]

Yes -- got a shout out to Columbo watch group!

[georgeulrich]

Cameron Mitchell was in "Dixie Ray Hollywood Star"

[MichaelCinquina-ifmw]

Noir on tv? Try The Gray Rock Hotel. It’s an episode of Rawhide. Really! It’s fabulous and Lola Albright’s amazing.

[classiccinemagal]

Had a great time at noir city Hollywood. I posted a video of my experience. Looking forward to TCMFF!!

[Buffalonie]

Some episodes of Suspicion, Kraft Theater, and Thriller are good one-off noirs!

[ameryek.]

The Noir City Festival Hollywood 2024 at the magnificent, historic, Egyptian Theater last weekend was incredible! I saw "Nightmare Alley" 1947 with Tyrone Power in an original, 35 mm silver nitrate print, as promised by Mr Eddie Muller. That gentleman couldn't have been nicer to chat with, waiting for different camera angles for a good picture on my phone. This was the 25th Anniversary of the Hollywood Festival and so they showed "Nightmare Alley" like the first one. The nitrate version is a revelation on not only the cinematography but the meaning of the film What a memorable day! My first Festival but definitely not my last! Thanks, Film Noir Foundation. Anne 🎥

[carlossegura]

So far as adult films with noir elements…Corruption starring Jamie Gillis is noir-ish at times.

[asbcasbc]

I'm new to film noir. What are a couple of films I should watch first?

[maxmcgloin]

So many television shows would be better as 90-minute films. There are certainly exceptions, but it sure seems like a lot of great stories are being drawn out into something as tedious as streaming shows. But So many two and three-hour films would be better as 90-minute films.

[ameryek.]

Hello, Does anybody know if there are usually seats at TCM Festival Hollywood for non- passport holders? These cost $350 for cheapest! I must come from across LA County & don't wish to miss the noir showings. Any info is appreciated!😊

[THX]

Payback is a textbook example of studio interference.
The directors cut, featuring Angie Dickenson, has almost an entirely different feel and completely different third act

[erizabeta]

next time stop the show and give Charlotte the mic! at least for a little while