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 1951
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
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Theatrical Release: November 4th, 1951
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
DVD Review: VCI - Region 0 - NTSC
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CLICK to order from:
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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:
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| Distribution |
VCI Region 0 - NTSC |
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| Runtime | 1:14:09 | |
| Video |
1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio |
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NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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| Audio | English (Dolby Digital 2.0) | |
| Subtitles | None | |
| Features |
Release Information: Studio: VCI Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details:
• Bios for Romero, Brent, Burr, Berke Chapters 12 |
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| 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. |
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Recommended Reading in Film Noir (CLICK COVERS or TITLES for more information)
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The Dark Side of the Screen: Film Noir by Foster Hirsch |
Somewhere in the Night: Film Noir and the American City by Nicholas Christopher |
Film: The Critics' Choice by Geoff Andrew |
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 |
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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 |
Check out more in "The Library"
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
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Theatrical Release:
November 15th, 1949Reviews 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 |
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|
NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
||
| Bitrate |
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| Audio | English (Dolby Digital 2.0) | |
| Subtitles | None | |
| Features |
Release Information: Studio: VCI Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details:
• Bios for Broadie and
Boadine Chapters 12 |
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| 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. |
DVD Menus
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Screen Captures
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|
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| 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:
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| Distribution |
VCI Region 0 - NTSC |
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Mail cheques, money orders, cash to: or CLICK PayPal logo to donate!
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Gary Tooze
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Thank You!
