Affair in Trinidad (1952)

Dir. Vincent Sherman. Rita Hayworth is Chris Emery, dancer, jazz singer and star attraction at the Cari-b Club in Port of Spain, Trinidad. A tragic incident involving her husband draws Chris into the murky world of conspiracy, murder, and espionage. Chris must navigate complicated relationships with law enforcement, extended family, and her well-heeled fans with…… Continue reading Affair in Trinidad (1952)

In a Lonely Place (1950)

Dir. Nicholas Ray. Humphrey Bogart plays Dix Steele, not an overconfident pornographic actor as the name suggests, but a once successful Hollywood screenwriter looking for his next hit. Dix is cursed with possessing both a crime writers’ fascination with the mechanics of murder, and a cruel violent streak that poisons his relationships with his colleagues,…… Continue reading In a Lonely Place (1950)

Bitter Rice (Riso Amaro) (1949)

dir. Giuseppe De Santis. In northern Italy, the annual rice planting and picking season has arrived, and as is tradition, only women with their “small and fast hands” are capable of the backbreaking labour. However, the men are well suited to counting the money, and barking orders. The women start their journey to the rice…… Continue reading Bitter Rice (Riso Amaro) (1949)

Portrait of Jennie (1948)

dir. William Dieterle. During a snowy winter’s night in Central Park, struggling artist Eben Adams (Joseph Cotton) meets Jennie (Jennifer Jones), a young girl playing in the snow. They become friends, with Jennie as his muse, and Eben as her hope for a more promising future. A strange, surrealistic, and very sentimental romance, best watched…… Continue reading Portrait of Jennie (1948)

Born to Kill (1947)

dir. Robert Wise. Helen Brent (Claire Trevor) returns to San Francisco after finalising her divorce. On the journey, she has a chance encounter with an imposing, intense man called Sam, played by real life violent lunatic Lawrence Tierney. Sam becomes entwined in Helen’s complicated family circle, and her attraction to Sam is only strengthened as…… Continue reading Born to Kill (1947)

The Stranger (1946)

dir. Orson Welles. After World War II, investigators from the Allied War Crimes Commission are on the hunt for war criminals. Lead investigator, Mr. Wilson (Edward G. Robinson) gambles that releasing a particular criminal, will allow them to follow his trail, and flush out an even greater villain. This quest leads them from war-torn Europe…… Continue reading The Stranger (1946)

The Men Who Tread on the Tiger’s Tail (虎の尾を踏む男達) (1945)

dir. Akira Kurosawa. 12th century feudal Japan, Lord Yoshitsune is on the run after a falling out with his brother, the Shogun. Yoshitsune is escorted by six loyal samurai, disguised as monks, as they trek through the mountains towards freedom. The screenplay by Kurosawa is based on a popular Kabuki play. The theatrical origins are…… Continue reading The Men Who Tread on the Tiger’s Tail (虎の尾を踏む男達) (1945)

Murder, My Sweet (1944)

dir. Edward Dmytryk. Private detective Philip Marlowe (Dick Powell) is engaged by series of shady clients to variously track down former lovers, negotiate with blackmailers, and provide a soft shoulder to lean on. This is the first film appearance of Raymond Chandler’s famous detective. Made during the golden age of film noir, there is some…… Continue reading Murder, My Sweet (1944)

The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943)

dir. Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. The story of British soldier Clive Candy (Colonel Blimp), already a veteran of the Boer War when we meet him, and his experiences over forty years of love and friendship, against the background of both world wars. A remarkable film, full of touching moments, witty dialogue, and some truly…… Continue reading The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943)