TCM to launch new Noir-themed programming franchise Noir Alley hosted by Film Noir Foundation founder and president Eddie Muller. The new series will premier March 5 and air every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. eastern time (which means an ungodly hour of 7 a.m. for those on the Pacific coast - ouch). Known to classic film fans as “The Czar of Noir,” Muller will explore the genre from every angle as he introduces a different noir classic each week.
The very first film to screen will be the movie widely credited as the first film noir, The Maltese Falcon from 1941. The film stars genre icon Humphrey Bogart and is directed by one of the masters of the art form, John Huston. Huston would go on to helm many seminal films, including Key Largo, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre and The Asphalt Jungle. Of course, Bogart would go on to create solidify his signature persona in Casablanca, The Big Sleep and In a Lonely Place.
Film noir itself is an often-misunderstood genre that’s gritty and dark in style that developed in popularity through the 1940s and 50s. It continues to be one of the most popular genres of classic film, generating legions of fans year after year after decade. The Noir Alley will showcase such heavy hitters as the previously mentioned The Maltese Falcon, the highly influential Detour, and a WWII revenge tale Act of Violence.
“With this series dedicated to nothing but film noir, we will trace the evolution from its cinematic origins to its influence on more recent films," said Charles Tabesh, senior vice president of programming for TCM." As one of the foremost experts on film noir and a noir preservationist, Eddie Muller is the perfect guide to lead fans into the shadows each week for an immersive, hard-boiled experience.” Program host, Eddie Muller added, “Film noir offers more than just entertainment. They serve as a vital part of both film and American history and I’m honored to have the opportunity to share these cinematic treasures – from the well-known classics to the unsung gems waiting to be rediscovered – with TCM's community of movie lovers."
Designed to be an immersive, multi-platform experience for both seasoned noir fans and newcomers to the genre, fans are invited to engage with the Noir Alley community through social media. Noir Alley will have both a twitter handle (@NoirAlley) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/NoirAlley). Be sure to include the hashtag #NoirAlley when posting. For a complete schedule and more information, please visit TCM.com/noiralley.