Presented in collaboration with the Film Noir Foundation, Noir City: Hollywood marks the film festival’s 14th year at the Egyptian Theatre. Now through May 6 you can catch a whole bunch of unique (as well as some rarely seen) vintage movies that celebrate the artistry of the dark and foreboding genre. With the star power of Lana Turner, Dick Powell, John Garfield, and Charles McGraw and special in-person appearances by Marsha Hunt, Julie Adams and Norman Lloyd you may find yourself coming back every night in order to enjoy these films in the perfect atmosphere: a darkened movie theater surrounded by other mugs.
Once again, Eddie Muller, Noir authority and founder of the Film Noir Foundation, returns to the scene of the crime where he programed the Egyptian Theatre’s inaugural festival of film noir back in 1999. Just like the first time this year’s picks (by Muller, FNF co-director Alan K. Rode and Gwen Deglise) feature dozens of forgotten or lesser known films once relegated to the status of B Pictures, that by the grace of time and reflection have since earned the respect and admiration they justly deserve. The impressive lineup includes some films from the pre-Code era, some perennial favorites (The Postman Always Rings Twice) and rediscovered rarities. And of course, Muller and Rode will be on hand to introduce the films providing their usual rich commentary and much appreciated frame of context sometimes required when delving into the darkest corners of Hollywood’s moodiest mode of expression.
Just use the images above as links to the official schedule and you’ll see exactly what I mean. The titles may not be familiar, but the actors are virtually a who’s who of the most experienced and popular character actors of the Golden Age of Cinema. Heck, I’d go just to see a film I’d never seen before that featured Sydney Greenstreet or Dan Duryea. Especially for such a great deal. The ticket pricing for all the Noir City screenings are extremely reasonable. Double Features go for just $12, with $10 for Students and Seniors, and a measly $8 for American Cinematheque members. Triple Features are an even better deal at $15 for General, $12 Students and Seniors, and $10 for members. On top of that, each ticket gives you a chance to win passes to Cirque Du Soleil's IRIS at the Kodak Theatre! You know, the Cirque Du Soleil show with the cinema theme playing in the same theater where they do the Oscars. All in all this is a great deal that can’t be beat in LA.
And here’s another bonus! As an added aspect to this year’s festival the review website Trailers From Hell, the wine appreciation blog Now and Zin and K&L Wines will host a "Don't Be Afraid of the Noir" wine tasting at K&L's Hollywood store at 1400 N. Vine Street, Thursday, April 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The tastings will include Pinot Noirs (get it?) specially selected for the occasion. Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door. How cool is that? With the theater within a reasonable walking distance, you can park your car a the Egyptian, sidle on over to K & L on Vine for some lovely refreshments to put you in the right mood, and make it back in plenty of time for Caged and Big House USA. No doubt, the audience will be in rare form that night, and I for one plan to be among them. Hope to see you there!