In the early 1940s, Hollywood introduced a genre of “darker” films that were later described by French writers as “film noir.” Using stories often drawn from best-selling books and magazines, these tales portrayed a seamier side of American culture and inspired a number of terrific films. Forget bright lights and sunshine…these mostly black-and-white movies used shadows and the cover of night to set the mood.
This hour-long program examines film noir and the authors that inspired the style, from chiaroscuro lighting to femme fatales. Clips from The Postman Always Rings Twice, Double Indemnity and more highlight this fascinating look at how Hollywood once embraced crime fiction.