In 1944, Hollywood produced the film that defined the genre, Double Indemnity, starring Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwick. All of the essential elements of the genre were incorporated in the creation of this film and can be viewed as marking the beginning of Film Noir’s ‘classical era.’ This series will feature women as the progenitor behind the intrigue and misdeeds of the men around her, yet she is no femme fatale but prefers remain above the fray and ‘behind the curtains.’ This series will also begin our look at the Raymond Chandler’s quintessential shamus, Philip Marlowe. Marlowe (Dick Powell) is pulled in to the search for an ex-con’s sweetie in “Murder, My Sweet.” Edward G. Robinson as Christopher Cross, meanders on to “Scarlet Street” where he meets “Kitty” March. Entranced by her appearance, he sets out to be for her the man he always wanted to be. Jean Tierney, in her critically acclaimed performance, plays the deranged femme fatale Ellen Berent in “Leave Her to Heaven.” Driven by the pathological jealousy that formed after her dear father’s death, she weaves and manipulates her way through life never quite realizing what she has done. Join Instructor Roxanne Patton for a look into the history and origins of Film Noir in this three-part series.
3 Fridays-
September 13 from 12:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
October 4 from 1:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
November 22 from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.