Imprint’s third collection of film noir assembles four more movies that don’t get enough love. While these may not be the first titles you would think of when discussing the genre, but are nevertheless excellent examples of the style. All four come from the Paramount Pictures library.
Looking at the movies chronologically, first up there’s The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946), the best and most recognisably ‘noir’ of the collection. It stars Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin, and boasts the debut appearance of Kirk Douglas. Old secrets, obsessions, and personal demons are all part of the plot that’s as lurid and cynical as you’d expect. It’s a strong start to the set but, luckily, there are more gems to uncover.
The Turning Point (1952) features the ever-dependable William Holden as a journalist who, along with prosecutor Edmond O’Brien, attempts to bring down a mob boss (Ed Begley) and his gang. It’s a brilliantly presented and compelling justice vs crime world story.
The always-dynamic Barbara Stanwyck headlines No Man of Her Own (1950), a tale of a poor, pregnant woman who takes the identity of a rich, pregnant woman who gets killed in a train crash along with her husband. The deceased’s in-laws (who haven’t met their son’s wife) take her in as one of their own, but she’s blackmailed by her ex. It’s just the sort of convoluted, hard-to-believe plot you want from the genre (even if the noir aspects are tenuous) and is memorably thrilling.
An early example of a home invasion film, The Desperate Hours (1955) sees Humphrey Bogart as an escaped convict who, with his two cohorts, make themselves unwelcome at the home of an upper-middle-class family. Although the film betrays its stage roots occasionally, it’s still a claustrophobic, nasty affair. It’s directed with class by William Wyler (Ben-Hur) and stands as a thrilling, terrifying picture even today.
Imprint’s package is once again excellent, from the rigid removable top case to the presentation of the films. There’s also a wealth of extras to plough through once you’re done devouring the movies. Highly recommended.
Essential Film Noir Collection Volume 3 is available on all-regions Blu-ray from the Australian label Imprint now.
