Forgotten Noir, Vol. 1
Portland Expose They Were So Young
Comments: |
Described as 'This Forgotten Film Noir includes Portland Expose and They Were So Young. In the 1950's LIFE Magazine printed a blistering expose on the rampant sin, crime and Teamsters-controlled corruption that at the time had a stronghold on Portland, Oregon. Producer Lindsley Parsons seized upon the considerable publicity and assembled a cast of great character actors for the starring roles. Although the film crew was threatened with physical violence, the result is a dark and gritty filmed-on-location crime drama that contains considerable violence for a 1950's movie, most notably a violent rape scene with the Frank Gorshin character and a teenage girl. The second feature, They Were So Young: Five European models arrive in Rio de Janeiro and become trapped in a white slavery ring. An exciting crime melodrama with Raymond Burr at his villainous best!' Lots to debate here - whether both features fit snugly into the Noir style and were they both shown widescreen theatrically? I'd say VCI are being somewhat liberal with their claims but those in the know will not be expecting much from one of these cheapo Double Featured discs. I've made my individual assessments below. |
Directed by
Harold D. Schuster
USA 1957
This easily slides into the Noir style with gangsters, corruption, a protection racket and back bar room gambling/arcade machines (seedy underbelly of society). Nice to see Frank Gorshin and the steady Ed Binns. The film has some moments - well meaning in its expose of Teamsters strongholds (and the commentary can bear this out). For the 50's it has some exceptional realism and a kind of gritty edge that elevates the narrative to a certain degree. Now, this is no masterpiece but its a good film, and peering under the surface it is quite fascinating. I think Noir fans will enjoy it and the clandestine appeal is another bonus.
Posters
Theatrical Release: August 11th, 1957
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
DVD Review: VCI Video - Region 0 - NTSC
DVD Box Cover |
|
CLICK to order from: |
The Forgotten Noir Collector's Set (Vol 1-3) contains Portland Exposé, Arson, Inc., Loan Shark, Shoot To Kill, They Were So Young and The Shadow Man. It is a substantial savings but we are unsure of the packaging. | ||
Distribution | VCI Video - Region 0 - NTSC | |
Runtime | 1:12:03 | |
Video | 1.78:1
Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 5.52 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s |
|
NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
||
Bitrate: |
|
|
Audio | English (Dolby Digital 2.0) | |
Subtitles | None | |
Features |
Release Information:
Edition Details: • Commentary
by Assistant Director Lindsley Parsons Jr. |
Comments: |
The transfer is quite weak - only tube acceptable - it is very dirty at times and has visible 'combing' in every 3rd frame during all horizontal movement (indicating it is not from an HD source). It is not very sharp but viewing via CRT (cathode ray tube) shouldn't deter enjoyment of the film. The captures below are a good representation. Audio is relatively consistent and there are no optional subtitles. The commentary is quite interesting and its inclusion a surprising and very positive effort. Incidents of skirting real life 'gangsters' or Teamsters leaning on them during production give a great background to appreciating the film and its intent. This film is worthy of being restored or transferred by a superior production house. As it stand the price is the final word and it's far too reasonably priced to pass up on this dual layered DVD shared with They Were So Young and some relevant extras. NOTE: As for being widescreen (1.85) - I'm still unsure - it seems unlikely but not totally unrealistic - composition shows some tight head shots, but, as I said, I am not 100% sure either way. |
DVD Menus
Screen Captures
(aka 'Mannequins für Rio')
Directed by
Kurt Neumann
USA 1954
It might be a bit of a stretch to stick the Noir moniker on it, but its such a nebulous label that it might be quibbling as it is definitely a low budget piece with a focus of crime/mystery. Scott Brady and Raymond Burr fill their characters shoes adeptly and the plot - a salaciously marketed melodrama about a German girl lured to Brazil for "modeling" who is eventually trapped in a white slavery racket - has some definite merits. Although initially financed as German film, I see no evidence of weak dubs - its possible director Kurt Neumann, having already done English cinema as well, was flexible enough to make the determination (of international versions) just prior wrapping up the production ends for an American release. There are some real political overtones that reveal themselves after the main plot appears complete. A good but not a great film - just interesting viewing for those keen on the era and pulpy/adventurous feel. I always like seeing Burr and he is quite a dastardly chap here.
Poster
Theatrical Release: October 20th, 1954
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
DVD Review: VCI Video - Region 0 - NTSC
DVD Box Cover |
|
CLICK to order from: |
The Forgotten Noir Collector's Set (Vol 1-3) contains Portland Exposé, Arson, Inc., Loan Shark, Shoot To Kill, They Were So Young and The Shadow Man. It is a substantial savings but we are unsure of the packaging. | ||
Distribution | VCI Video - Region 0 - NTSC | |
Runtime | 1:17:39 | |
Video | 1.78:1
Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 5.52 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s |
|
NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
||
Bitrate: |
|
|
Audio | English (Dolby Digital 2.0) | |
Subtitles | None | |
Features |
Release Information: Studio: VCI Video Aspect Ratio: Aspect Ratio 1.78:1
Edition Details: • Original
Theatrical Trailers |
Comments: |
This transfer is a little better than Portland Expose (the film it shares the dual layered DVD with) - it is sharper but still is not progressive (from HD) and hence exhibits the same 'combing' effect. It is cleaner but still has a few marks. It apparently was shown theatrically at 1.85 so the anamorphisizing to 1.78 is not unwarranted. The image is not perfect by any standard but it is certainly tube acceptable. No commentary for this one but it has some star bios and production marketing mixed in with those for Portland Expose. Heck, even as a near Noir you can't beat the price. |
DVD Menus
Screen Captures
Recommended Reading in Film Noir (CLICK COVERS or TITLES for more information)
The Dark Side of the Screen: Film Noir by Foster Hirsch |
Somewhere in the Night: Film Noir and the American City by Nicholas Christopher |
Shades of Noir: A Reader by Joan Copjec |
The Art of Noir: The Posters and Graphics from the
Classic Era of Film Noir by Eddie Muller |
The Little Black and White Book of Film Noir:
Quotations from Films of the 40's and 50's by Peg Thompson, Saeko Usukawa |
Film Noir by Alain Silver |
Film Noir Guide: 745 Films of the Classic Era,
1940-1959 by Michael F. Keaney |
Detours and Lost Highways: A Map of Neo-Noir by Foster Hirsch |
DVD Box Cover |
|
CLICK to order from: |
Distribution | VCI Video - Region 0 - NTSC |