Description: VCI Entertainment and Kit Parker Films present "Forgotten Film Noir Vol. 5" (1951) --- Perhaps the beauty of 'Film-Noir' is its lack of limitation, and its problematic nature of strict classification. Translated literally as "Black Cinema (or film)" and so defined by French critics post WW2 to describe the increasing trend of American crime dramas shot with murky, shadowy grays often with anti-hero protagonists. Plot devices of amnesia, recent ex-convict characters, flash-back (remembered) narratives, femme fatales, shared guilt, pathos, classic nemesis and occasional obtuse camera angles are only a few of the recognizable stylistic norms building the distinguishing keys of Film-Noir. Most often plots were derived from the hard-boiled pulp fiction novels of the era. More of a theme or mood than a 'genre' - the Noir appeal spawned many contemporary imitations - 'Tech-Noir (Blade Runner), Neo-Noir (Taxi Driver) etc.

VCI have included two decent entries into the style - FBI Girl and Tough Assignment.


 

(aka "Le Filles Du Secret Service" )

 

directed by William A. Berke
USA 195
1

 

First up we have "FBI Girl" (1951) - A governor planning to run for U.S. Senate has a secret past that could prove damaging to his political aspirations: he's a convicted murderer, and that will come to light if the FBI does an investigative check on him. He goes to a local crime boss for help. The racketeer arranges for a low-level FBI employee to take the incriminating file from FBI headquarters, but then she is conveniently murdered. Two FBI agents investigating her murder begin to think that something isn't quite kosher. Noir perennial's Burr and Totter support the style.  

 

Posters

 

Theatrical Release: November 4th, 1951

Reviews    More Reviews  DVD Reviews

DVD Review: VCI - Region 0 - NTSC

DVD Box Cover

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Also available in the Forgotten Noir Collector's Set 2 which includes Man From Cairo / Mask of the Dragon / FBI Girl / Tough Assignment / I'll Get You and Fingerprints Don't Lie:

            

Distribution

VCI

Region 0 - NTSC

Runtime 1:14:09
Video

1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 5.51 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

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.76:1

Edition Details:
• Commentary by Alan K. Rode

• Bios for Romero, Brent, Burr, Berke
• Trailers for  Bad Blonde, Deadly Game, FBI Girl, Man Bait
• Photo Gallery

DVD Release Date: April 24th, 2007
Keepcase

Chapters 12

 

 

Comments Overall, better quality than standard VCI offering and both features are transferred progressively! (a great step forward). Still a bit hazy at times and there is some minor damage on the print. It's hard to get mad at VCI as they continue to improve - what is a nice addition is the Rode commentary - which is fairly informative if somewhat lacking if comparing to a Silver or Muller standard but again the effort is very much appreciated. There is also some trailers, text bios and a photo gallery... and, of course, the addition of Tough Assignment sharing the dual-layered disc.

Limited production noir always has great appeal in my book - as does Audrey Totter. Buying the entire boxset is the way to go if you are keen.

 - Gary Tooze

 

 



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directed by William Beaudine
USA 1949

 

In order to investigate a modern-day cattle rustling operation, a newspaper reporter and his girlfriend infiltrate the gang. With Don 'Red' Barry, Marjorie Steele and Steve Brodie.

 

Poster

 

Theatrical Release: November 15th, 1949

Reviews    More Reviews  DVD Reviews

DVD Review: VCI - Region 0 - NTSC

DVD Box Cover

CLICK to order from:

Also available in the Forgotten Noir Collector's Set 2 which includes Man From Cairo / Mask of the Dragon / FBI Girl / Tough Assignment / I'll Get You and Fingerprints Don't Lie:

            

Distribution

VCI

Region 0 - NTSC

Runtime 1:04:22
Video

1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 5.51 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

Aspect Ratio:
Fullscreen - 1.33:1

Edition Details:
• Commentary by Joel Blumberg

• Bios for Broadie and Boadine
• Trailers for Bad Blonde, Deadly Game, FBI Girl, Man Bait
• Photo Gallery

DVD Release Date: April 24th, 2007
Keepcase

Chapters 12

 

 

Comments About the same quality level as FBI Girl (which it shares the dual-layered disc with) - perhaps a notch less but still progressive and also sports a commentary - this time by Joel Blumberg - it is fun. Way to go VCI! - Keep improving like this and you'll be up there with the big studios (not joking). Also included are some trailers, text bios and a photo gallery.

A shade more cheesy but includes some humor and noir intent. Again buying the entire boxset is the way to go if you are keen.    

 - Gary Tooze

 

 



 

DVD Menus


 

 


Screen Captures

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


DVD Box Cover

CLICK to order from:

Also available in the Forgotten Noir Collector's Set 2 which includes Man From Cairo / Mask of the Dragon / FBI Girl / Tough Assignment / I'll Get You and Fingerprints Don't Lie:

            

Distribution

VCI

Region 0 - NTSC





 

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