Film Noir—a timeless genre of classic Hollywood films known for their low budgets, taut narratives, evocative cinematography, dark shadows, hard-boiled leading men, and dangerous leading ladies—remains as popular today as during its 1940s and 50s heyday. We offer some lesser-seen noir favorites, featuring ex-Nazis on the lam, escaped cons seeking revenge, crooked cops, and deceitful wives. All are pushed to their limits, and all must pay an inevitable price.
Dark Passage
Directed by Delmer Daves
Vincent Parry (Humphrey Bogart), convicted for murdering his wife, escapes San Quentin dead-set on proving his innocence. Picked up hitchhiking …
I Wake Up Screaming
Directed by Bruce Humberstone
In this lean, clinical tale of love gone sour, the motivations of a hard-boiled detective are put under the microscope. …
Niagara
Directed by Henry Hathaway
Marilyn Monroe and Joseph Cotten star as a troubled husband and wife couple on an ill-fated vacation in this tense …
The Stranger
Directed by Orson Welles
Welles’ post-war thriller tackles Nazism head-on as UN War Crimes Inspector Wilson (Edward G. Robinson) searches for Welles’ fugitive Franz …
Thieves’ Highway
Directed by Jules Dassin
WWII vet Nick Garcos (Richard Conte) returns to San Francisco, intending to go into the apple business with his father. …