Film Noir Classics Collection 5

Movielover

at 8:05 am

As a devoted collector of this admirable series, I was disappointed at the lack of extras ( which has been a welcome feature of all previous volumes )but I decided to buy it anyway because I feel this one series that deserves support. Of the eight films, one in particular “Crime In The Streets” is not only the weakest in the set, it’s one of the worst and most boring films I’ve ever seen. On top of which, it is not even a “Film Noir.” Whoever had the lame brain idea of including it in this package should be taken for a ride on a dark night and suitably disposed of.

Of the remaining seven, the selection is somewhat better. Although not top drawer, most of this package is reasonably entertaining. “Cornered” starring Dick Powell is an atmospheric post-World War 11 thriller directed by the reliable Edward Dmytrik that holds the interest despite slightly sluggish pacing. An early Anthony Mann film “Desperate”(1947) is a fast-moving little thriller that has a most satisfactory ending. And when it comes to fast-moving, it would be hard to beat

“Armored Car Robbery” (1950) with Charles McGraw hot on the trail of the robbers

who alo killed his partner. The whole plot is executed and sewn up in just 68 minutes under the efficient direction of Richard Fleischer. The other three films

“Deadline At Dawn” (1946)( written by the redoubtable Clifford Odets stars the gorgeous Susan Hayward ), “Backfire” (1950) directed by Vincent Sherman starring a non-singing Gordon MacRae and a top notch cast and “The Phenix City Story”(1955) all deliver the goods and make this set reasonably worthwhile. But I hope the next volume of dark deeds will be more consistent.

Rating: 3 / 5