3 Classic Film Noirs Vol.2
Out of the Past (1947) Key Largo (1948), and The Big Combo (1955)
I am excited to share film noir recommendations with you this month. All of these classics have great casts as well as rich and intricate storylines. None of the characters are one-dimensional and the cinematography is beautiful. I hope that you enjoy all of these, and if you are new to this genre, check out Vol.1!
- Olivia
Out of the Past (1947)- 1 hr 37 mins
Now a gas station owner, Jeff Bailey’s past comes back to haunt him and threaten his new life when a mobster from his past finds him. Out of the Past is a gripping story from start to finish with an intricate plot that uncovers a web of violence and deceit. There is also the quintessential femme fatale (Jane Greer).
Availability: Youtube, Amazon video, Googleplay, DVD, and Blu-ray.
Purchase DVD: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/out-of-the-past-dvd-1947/31184256.p?skuId=31184256&ref=212&loc=1&&ref=212&loc=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwgabeBRBuEiwACD4R5qcH6ZsalIo438VPEHrQI-4ZeHNy7IYZ_TBgAZYebGDahO7AOUO2JBoCQh0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Purchase Blu-ray: https://www.amazon.com/Out-Past-Blu-ray-Robert-Mitchum/dp/B00LPUO24Y
Key Largo (1948)- 1 hr 41 mins
Things don’t go as planned when World War II veteran Frank McCloud (Humphrey Bogart) travels to Key Largo to pay his respects to his late war buddy's family: his wife, Nora Temple (Lauren Bacall) and father (Lionel Barrymore). Together, they run a hotel. While there, McCloud realizes that mobsters, led by Johnny Rocco (Edward G. Robinson), are hiding out within the seaside hotel, their true identity unbeknownst to the Temple family. As a hurricane approaches, the criminals take over the establishment and conflict ensues.
Starring off-screen couple Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall along with veteran actors Edward G. Robinson and Claire Trevor, Key Largo showcases an engaging storyline line full of intense moments against the backdrop of a menacing Florida hurricane.
Score: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbnEnbgax9A
Availability: Youtube, Amazon video, Googleplay, DVD, and Blu-ray.
Purchase DVD: https://www.amazon.com/Largo-Snap-Case-Humphrey-Bogart/dp/0790746999
Purchase Blu-ray: https://www.amazon.com/Key-Largo-Blu-ray-Humphrey-Bogart/dp/B01ACP5AXE/ref=tmm_blu_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
The Big Combo (1955)- 1 hr 29 mins
Photographed in striking black and white, The Big Combo revolves around police lieutenant Leonard Diamond and his quest to get enough evidence to convict mob boss Mr. Brown and his gang.
Though perhaps not a top 10 in terms of film noir, The Big Combo is both compelling and ingenious to say the least. In comparison to its predecessors, it is far more realistic and raw in regards to the twistedness and brutality of the city underworld. It was released towards the end of film noir era, but is a slam-bang finish.
Score: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QShabLiL1lA
Availability: Youtube (free), Amazon video, Googleplay, DVD, and Blu-ray.
Youtube (free; bad image and sound quality): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuWokTKOMWg
Purchase DVD: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/dvd-the-big-combo-cornel-wilde/3635537/2679748032123?st=PLA&sid=BNB_DRS_New+Marketplace+Shopping+Media_00000000&2sid=Google_&sourceId=PLGoP164955&gclid=CjwKCAjwgabeBRBuEiwACD4R5ju1ffAIBYENyghtIX556kujFK_Vnd4ejzx9aCwRNXPmbb1NV2eAfxoCpd0QAvD_BwE
Purchase Blu-ray: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Combo-Blu-ray-Cornel-Wilde/dp/B00E18QK9W
Shadow of a Doubt (1942)