You may not be familiar with all of these fine noir movies but they are all excellent. If I had to pick a favorite from this list I would have a hard time do so since all of these 'B' movies are on my 'A' list. You've heard of the movie about crazed killer Richard Widmark and the old lady in the wheelchair scene, but have never seen it. The name of the movie is Kiss of Death and a must have for your collection. Widmark is at his sadistic best in this movie.
All of the movies listed here are wonderfully and darkly noir.
Kiss Of Death(1947) is a must see movie. It stars Victor Mature, Coleen Gray, Brian Donlevy and Karl Malden. However, the actor to look for is Richard Widmark. This is his screen debut and he is chillingly and sadistically good here. I can tell you that his character has no respect for wheelchair-bound ladies either.
D.O.A.(1949) This is a low-budget movie with a great 'hook'. It stars Edmond O'Brien as vacationing businessman who learns he just has a few days to live after being poisoned. He searches for his own killer; in essence it is he is DOA (dead on arrival). Also in the movie are Luther Adler, Neville Brand and Pamela Britton of the old Mr. and Mrs. North shows.
The Blue Gardenia(1953) Ann Baxter awakens with a hangover. Her date from the night before has just been found murdered, Baxter can't be sure that she is not the murderer. She seeks the help of a newspaper man to help her find the truth. Also stars Raymond Burr (Perry Mason, Ironsides), Richard Conte and Ann Southern. Also in this movie is Singer Nat King Cole who sings the velvety title song, Blue Gardenia.
The Naked City(1948) An excellent on location, New York City, crime drama. It stars Barry Fitzgerald (And Then There Were None) Howard Duff Dorothy Hart and Don Taylor. This movie was directed by Jules Dassin. See link at right for Dassin information.
Shack Out On 101(1955) Blackmail and Communists are here in this love budget movie which has gained cult status. It stars Frank Lovejoy, Terry Moore and Lee Marvin star. Actress Terry Moore is said to have been married to Howard Huges at one time.
I Wake Up Screaming(1942) Betty Grable, Victor Mature, Laird Cregar, Carole Landis, Elisha Cook, Jr.
The Dark Corner(1946) Mark Stevens, Lucille Ball, Clifton Webb and William Bendix.
The Street With No Name(1948) Mark Stevens, Richard Widmark's, Lloyd Nolan and Ed Begley.
Slightly Scarlet(1955) (Color) stars John Payne, Ted de Corsia, Rhonda Fleming, Arlene Dahl and Kent Taylor.
House By The River(1950) Excellent and oddly atmospheric. It stars Louis Hayward, Lee Bowman and Jane Wyatt.
Raw Deal(1948) Dennis O'Keefe, Claire Trevor and Raymond Burr.
Detour(1945) Very good low-budget thriller. Stars Tom Neal and Ann Savage.
Railroaded(1947) Underworld drama. Hugh Beaumont, Peggy Ryan, Ed Kelly and John Ireland. Look for Ireland as the obsessed and sadistic, hired gun.
Whispering City(1947) Stars Mary Anderson, Helmut Dantine and Paul Lukas
Vannie(~.~)
Classic Mystery & Suspense Films from Amazon
