A Reel Education Noir

For this week’s episode, we watch a very early Robert Wise film, The Set-Up! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because the episode is full of spoilers. The film is available on streaming on iTunes, Vudu, Google Play, and YouTube. If you want to read the poem that this movie was based on, you can enjoy “The Set-Up” by Joseph Moncure March right here. Please also join us again on May 7th, when we take a brief detour into comedy with To Be or Not to Be! The Set-Up (1949) Rating: 7.8/10 (6,306 votes) Director: Robert Wise Writer: Art Cohn (screenplay), Joseph Moncure March (from the poem by) Stars: Robert Ryan, Audrey Totter, George Tobias, Alan Baxter Runtime: 73 min Rated: APPROVED Genre: Crime, Film-Noir, Sport Released: 02 Apr 1949 Plot: Because aging boxer Bill Thompson always lost his past fights, his corrupt manager, without telling Thompson, takes bribes from a betting gangster, to ensure Thompson's pre-arranged dive-loss in the next match.   The post Episode 57: The Set-Up appeared first on A Reel Education: Noir.

For this week’s episode, we visit bombed-out postwar Germany with Berlin Express! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because the episode is full of spoilers. The film is readily available on streaming on iTunes, Vudu, Google Play, and YouTube. Please also join us again on April 21st, when we follow Robert Ryan to The Set-Up! Berlin Express (1948) Rating: 6.8/10 (2,440 votes) Director: Jacques Tourneur Writer: Harold Medford (screen play), Curt Siodmak (story) Stars: Merle Oberon, Robert Ryan, Charles Korvin, Paul Lukas Runtime: 87 min Rated: APPROVED Genre: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir, Thriller Released: 01 May 1948 Plot: A multinational group of train passengers become involved in a post-World War II Nazi assassination plot. The post Episode 56: Berlin Express appeared first on A Reel Education: Noir.

For this week’s episode, we visit one of the great British noir films, The Third Man! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because we spoil the heck out if it. The film is readily available on streaming on Netflix, iTunes, Vudu, Google Play, YouTube, and Amazon. Please also join us again on February 21st, when we watch another WWII aftermath noir, Berlin Express! The Third Man (1949) Rating: 8.2/10 (141,070 votes) Director: Carol Reed Writer: Graham Greene (by), Graham Greene (screen play) Stars: Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Orson Welles, Trevor Howard Runtime: 93 min Rated: Not Rated Genre: Film-Noir, Mystery, Thriller Released: 12 Oct 1949 Plot: Pulp novelist Holly Martins travels to shadowy, postwar Vienna, only to find himself investigating the mysterious death of an old friend, Harry Lime. The post Episode 55: The Third Man appeared first on A Reel Education: Noir.

For this week’s episode, we conclude our Jimmy Stewart series as we view Hitchcock’s delightful Rear Window! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because there be spoilers ahead. The film is readily available on streaming on Google Play, YouTube, iTunes, Vudu, and Amazon. Please also join us again on February 7th, when we talk about the amazing British classic, The Third Man! Rear Window (1954) Rating: 8.5/10 (389,785 votes) Director: Alfred Hitchcock Writer: John Michael Hayes (screenplay), Cornell Woolrich (based on the short story by) Stars: James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter Runtime: 112 min Rated: PG Genre: Mystery, Thriller Released: 01 Sep 1954 Plot: A wheelchair-bound photographer spies on his neighbors from his apartment window and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder. The post Episode 54: Rear Window appeared first on A Reel Education: Noir.

For this week’s episode, we continue with our Jimmy Stewart series as we visit Anthony Mann’s noir-western, Winchester ’73! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because there be spoilers ahead. The film is readily available on streaming on Google Play, YouTube, iTunes, Vudu, and Amazon. Please also join us again on January 21st, when we return with an episode about Rear Window! Winchester '73 (1950) Rating: 7.7/10 (14,912 votes) Director: Anthony Mann Writer: Robert L. Richards (screenplay), Borden Chase (screenplay), Stuart N. Lake (story) Stars: James Stewart, Shelley Winters, Dan Duryea, Stephen McNally Runtime: 92 min Rated: Not Rated Genre: Action, Drama, Western Released: 12 Jul 1950 Plot: The journey of a prized rifle from one ill-fated owner to another parallels a cowboy's search for a murderous fugitive. The post Episode 53: Winchester ’73 appeared first on A Reel Education: Noir.

For this week’s episode, we launch into a Jimmy Stewart series, starting with Call Northside 777! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because we spoil things. The film is readily available on streaming on Google Play, YouTube, iTunes, and Amazon. Please also join us again on January 7th, when we return with an episode about Winchester 73! Call Northside 777 (1948) Rating: 7.4/10 (7,163 votes) Director: Henry Hathaway Writer: Jerome Cady (screen play), Jay Dratler (screen play), Leonard Hoffman (adaptation), Quentin Reynolds (adaptation), James P. McGuire (based on articles by) Stars: James Stewart, Richard Conte, Lee J. Cobb, Helen Walker Runtime: 112 min Rated: Approved Genre: Drama, Film-Noir Released: 01 Mar 1948 Plot: Chicago reporter P.J. McNeal re-opens a ten year old murder case. The post Episode 52: Call Northside 777 appeared first on A Reel Education: Noir.

For this week’s episode, we delve into Lawrence Kasdan’s steamy 80’s thriller, Body Heat! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because don’t care about spoilers. The film is readily available on streaming on Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. Please also join us again on November 21st, when return with an episode about Call Northside 777! Body Heat (1981) Rating: 7.4/10 (27,166 votes) Director: Lawrence Kasdan Writer: Lawrence Kasdan Stars: William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Richard Crenna, Ted Danson Runtime: 113 min Rated: R Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller Released: 28 Aug 1981 Plot: In the midst of a searing Florida heat wave, a woman persuades her lover, a small-town lawyer, to murder her rich husband. The post Episode 51: Body Heat appeared first on A Reel Education: Noir.

FINALLY, it’s here! For episode 50, former co-host Windy returns to the podcast for an episode about Billy Wilder’s Double Indemnity! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because we dive right into the plot. The film is readily available on streaming with a subscription to FilmStruck, and is available for rental on Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. Please also join us again on October 21st, when return with an episode about Body Heat! Double Indemnity (1944) Rating: 8.3/10 (124,717 votes) Director: Billy Wilder Writer: Billy Wilder (screenplay), Raymond Chandler (screenplay), James M. Cain (from the novel by) Stars: Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson, Porter Hall Runtime: 107 min Rated: Passed Genre: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir, Mystery, Thriller Released: 06 Jul 1944 Plot: An insurance representative lets himself be talked into a murder/insurance fraud scheme that arouses the suspicion of an insurance investigator. The post Episode 50: Double Indemnity appeared first on A Reel Education: Noir.

In this week’s episode, we introduce Tonya to another Henri-Georges Clouzot masterpiece: the truly wicked Diabolique! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because of spoilers. No, really, we are truly, honestly serious this time… you don’t want this one spoiled if you’ve never seen it! The film is readily available on streaming with a subscription to FilmStruck. (They have a free trial deal, too.) Please also join us again on June 7th, when we celebrate our 50th episode with Double Indemnity! Error: No API key provided. The post Episode 49: Diabolique appeared first on A Reel Education: Noir.

This week, we watch the amazing Rita Hayworth in Gilda! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because Rita Hayworth truly must be witnessed. The film is readily available for rental on streaming services such as Amazon, iTunes, Vudu, Google Play, and YouTube. It is also available with subscription to FilmStruck. Note: as you will soon be able to tell while listening to the episode, our recording session was interrupted by everything. Dogs! Phones! Husbands! Pizza guy! We apologize. In spite of all that, please join us again on May 21st, when we go back to Clouzot with a viewing of Diabolique! Gilda (1946) Rating: 7.8/10 (21,604 votes)Director: Charles VidorWriter: E.A. Ellington (story), Jo Eisinger (adaptation), Marion Parsonnet (screenplay)Stars: Rita Hayworth, Glenn Ford, George Macready, Joseph CalleiaRuntime: 110 minRated: NOT RATEDGenre: Drama, Film-Noir, RomanceReleased: 15 Mar 1946 Plot: A small-time gambler hired to work in a Buenos Aires casino learns that his ex-lover is married to his employer. The post Episode 48: Gilda appeared first on A Reel Education: Noir.

This week, we go see Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo in 70mm, and then we have a whole lot to say about it! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because oh boy do we spoil all the details. The film is readily available for rental on streaming services such as Amazon, iTunes, Vudu, Google Play, and YouTube. Note: Melissa only introduces Alee during the first segment, because they weren’t sure Tonya wasn’t at the theater yet, and she wasn’t sure she was going to make it in time for the start. She did get to the theater, though, so she hopped in for the after-film discussion… but Melissa totally forgot to introduce her after the music break. Sorry for any confusion! Please join us again on May 7th, when we launch back into the world of Hitchcock with Gilda! Vertigo (1958) Rating: 8.4/10 (265,410 votes)Director: Alfred HitchcockWriter: Alec Coppel (screenplay), Samuel A. Taylor (screenplay), Pierre Boileau (novel), Thomas Narcejac (novel)Stars: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes, Tom HelmoreRuntime: 128 minRated: PGGenre: Mystery, Romance, ThrillerReleased: 21 Jul 1958 Plot: A San Francisco detective suffering from acrophobia investigates the strange activities of an old friend's wife, all the while becoming dangerously obsessed with her. The post Episode 47: Vertigo appeared first on A Reel Education Noir.

This week, we go see Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo in 70mm, and then we have a whole lot to say about it! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because oh boy do we spoil all the details. The film is readily available for rental on streaming services such as Amazon, iTunes, Vudu, Google Play, and YouTube. Note: Melissa only introduces Alee during the first segment, because they weren’t sure Tonya wasn’t at the theater yet, and she wasn’t sure she was going to make it in time for the start. She did get to the theater, though, so she hopped in for the after-film discussion… but Melissa totally forgot to introduce her after the music break. Sorry for any confusion! Please join us again on May 7th, when we watch Rita Hayworth play Gilda! Vertigo (1958) Rating: 8.3/10 (411,923 votes) Director: Alfred Hitchcock Writer: Alec Coppel, Samuel A. Taylor, Pierre Boileau Stars: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes Runtime: 128 min Rated: PG Genre: Mystery, Romance, Thriller Released: 16 Jun 1958 Plot: A former San Francisco police detective juggles wrestling with his personal demons and becoming obsessed with the hauntingly beautiful woman he has been hired to trail, who may be deeply disturbed. The post Episode 47: Vertigo appeared first on A Reel Education: Noir.

This week, we are joined by geography professor David Tyler McKay for a discussion about Chinatown! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because we spoil the hell out of it. The film is readily available on streaming services such as Amazon, iTunes, Vudu, Google Play, and YouTube. Please join us again on April 21st, when we launch back into the world of Hitchcock with Vertigo! Chinatown (1974) Rating: 8.2/10 (228,460 votes)Director: Roman PolanskiWriter: Robert TowneStars: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Perry LopezRuntime: 130 minRated: RGenre: Drama, Mystery, ThrillerReleased: 20 Jun 1974 Plot: A private detective hired to expose an adulterer finds himself caught up in a web of deceit, corruption and murder. The post Episode 46: Chinatown appeared first on A Reel Education Noir.

This week, we are joined by geography professor David Tyler McKay for a discussion about Chinatown! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because we spoil the hell out of it. The film is readily available on streaming services such as Amazon, iTunes, Vudu, Google Play, and YouTube. Please join us again on April 21st, when we launch back into the world of Hitchcock with Vertigo! Chinatown (1974) Rating: 8.2/10 (334,938 votes) Director: Roman Polanski Writer: Robert Towne, Roman Polanski Stars: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston Runtime: 130 min Rated: R Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller Released: 20 Jun 1974 Plot: A private detective hired to expose an adulterer in 1930s Los Angeles finds himself caught up in a web of deceit, corruption, and murder. The post Episode 46: Chinatown appeared first on A Reel Education: Noir.

This week, we are joined by Matthew Kessen for a very rare screening of Desert Fury! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode… if you can. This is sadly a very difficult movie to track down right now. We were lucky enough to see an actual film print at The Heights Theater. If you are truly determined, the movie has been released on DVD overseas and copies can often be found on Amazon. You can also probably find downloadable copies online, if you know where to look. Please join us again on April 7th, when we continue with another color noir with Chinatown! Desert Fury (1947) Rating: 6.7/10 (861 votes)Director: Lewis AllenWriter: Robert Rossen (screenplay), Ramona Stewart (novel)Stars: John Hodiak, Lizabeth Scott, Burt Lancaster, Wendell CoreyRuntime: 96 minRated: APPROVEDGenre: Crime, Drama, Film-NoirReleased: 15 Aug 1947 Plot: The daughter of a Nevada casino owner gets involved with a racketeer, despite everyone's efforts to separate them. The post Episode 45: Desert Fury appeared first on A Reel Education Noir.

This week, we are joined by Matthew Kessen for a very rare screening of Desert Fury! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode… if you can. This is sadly a very difficult movie to track down right now. We were lucky enough to see an actual film print at The Heights Theater. If you are truly determined, the movie has been released on DVD overseas and copies can often be found on Amazon. You can also probably find downloadable copies online, if you know where to look. Please join us again on April 7th, when we continue with another color noir with Chinatown! Desert Fury (1947) Rating: 6.5/10 (1,846 votes) Director: Lewis Allen Writer: Robert Rossen, Ramona Stewart, A.I. Bezzerides Stars: John Hodiak, Lizabeth Scott, Burt Lancaster Runtime: 96 min Rated: Approved Genre: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir Released: 15 Aug 1947 Plot: The daughter of a Nevada casino owner gets involved with a racketeer, despite everyone's efforts to separate them. The post Episode 45: Desert Fury appeared first on A Reel Education: Noir.

This week, we close our Marlowe trilogy with Robert Altman’s The Long Goodbye! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because it’s fascinating. This film can be found for streaming rental from Amazon and Vudu. Please join us again on March 21st, when we continue with another color noir with Desert Fury! The Long Goodbye (1973) Rating: 7.7/10 (19,202 votes)Director: Robert AltmanWriter: Leigh Brackett (screenplay), Raymond Chandler (novel)Stars: Elliott Gould, Nina van Pallandt, Sterling Hayden, Mark RydellRuntime: 112 minRated: RGenre: Comedy, Crime, DramaReleased: 31 May 1973 Plot: Detective Philip Marlowe tries to help a friend who is accused of murdering his wife. The post Episode 44: The Long Goodbye appeared first on A Reel Education Noir.

This week, we close our Marlowe trilogy with Robert Altman’s The Long Goodbye! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because it’s fascinating. This film can be found for streaming rental from Amazon and Vudu. Please join us again on March 21st, when we continue with another color noir with Desert Fury! The Long Goodbye (1973) Rating: 7.6/10 (33,768 votes) Director: Robert Altman Writer: Leigh Brackett, Raymond Chandler Stars: Elliott Gould, Nina van Pallandt, Sterling Hayden Runtime: 112 min Rated: R Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama Released: 08 Mar 1973 Plot: Private investigator Philip Marlowe helps a friend out of a jam, but in doing so gets implicated in his wife's murder. The post Episode 44: The Long Goodbye appeared first on A Reel Education: Noir.

This week, we watch Bogey and Bacall in The Big Sleep! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because it should truly be experienced. This film can be found for streaming rental from iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, and several other services. Please join us again on March 3rd, when we finish our Marlowe Marathon with The Long Goodbye! The Big Sleep (1946) Rating: 8.0/10 (65,717 votes)Director: Howard HawksWriter: William Faulkner (screen play), Leigh Brackett (screen play), Jules Furthman (screen play), Raymond Chandler (from the novel by)Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, John Ridgely, Martha VickersRuntime: 114 minRated: APPROVEDGenre: Crime, Film-Noir, MysteryReleased: 31 Aug 1946 Plot: Private detective Philip Marlowe is hired by a rich family. Before the complex case is over, he's seen murder, blackmail, and what might be love. The post Episode 43: The Big Sleep appeared first on A Reel Education Noir.

This week, we watch Bogey and Bacall in The Big Sleep! We highly recommend you watch the film before listening to the episode, because it should truly be experienced. This film can be found for streaming rental from iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, and several other services. Please join us again on March 3rd, when we finish our Marlowe Marathon with The Long Goodbye! The Big Sleep (1946) Rating: 7.9/10 (88,001 votes) Director: Howard Hawks Writer: William Faulkner, Leigh Brackett, Jules Furthman Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, John Ridgely Runtime: 114 min Rated: Passed Genre: Crime, Film-Noir, Mystery Released: 31 Aug 1946 Plot: Private detective Philip Marlowe is hired by a wealthy family. Before the complex case is over, he's seen murder, blackmail and what might be love. The post Episode 43: The Big Sleep appeared first on A Reel Education: Noir.