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Three Faces Of Noir Curse Crime Cringe
Film Noir In The Public Domain Vol IV
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Book Presentation:
Bernie Dowling's latest in his award-winning series on film noir traces its evolution from the curse of World War I to German Expressionism, noir prototypes in Hollywood horror and gangster movies, and the rise of noir during World War II.In six lively pictorial essays, Dowling continues his series on film noir in the public domain. In the Curse section, Dowling reviews 1940s horror noirs, while Crime examines the 1938 proto-noir Algiers and a 1950s noir directed by Stanley Kubrick. Cringe looks at the noir theme of humiliation in the 1940s and 50s.Dowling's sly humor offers comic relief along the path to the joyous darkness that is film noir. Historical photos abound of classic Hollywood, its movies, and their creators.This is the final volume of this series on film noir in the public domain, and Dowling reveals his 10 favorite film noirs, with a surprise or two on the list.
About the Author:
Bernie Dowling is an Australian writer working in journalism, fiction, and non-fiction. His first novel is the neo-noir Iraqi Icicle. His non-fiction Maaate! Bribe Proofing The Public Purse Against Good Blokes is about corruption in local government. The author is publishing a four-book series on film noir in the public domain. The first volume Noir Dirt Cheap was published in 2023. Fate Vs The Working Stiff appeared in 2024. Starry Starry Noir Rebels and Censors was published in June 2025
Press Reviews:
"This isn't some dry academic tour through noir tropes, it's alive, angry, funny, and sad all at once."
Literary Titan on Starry Starry Noir Rebels and Censors.
"The sheer number and quality of the illustrations is staggering, with one of the highlights being Whitey Schafer's photo "Thou Shall Not," a staged scene illustrating the Ten Prohibition."
Ron Griswold on Starry Starry Noir Rebels and Censors.
"Bernie Dowling wrote this perfectly, and I was glad I got to read this."
Kat M. on Film Noir Vs The Working Stiff.
"There are enjoyable peeks into how some of the most subversive, cynical, establishment-critical films of all were made right under the noses of (even bankrolled by) right-wing conservatives."
David Smith on Noir Dirt Cheap.
"The sheer number and quality of the illustrations is staggering, with one of the highlights being Whitey Schafer's photo "Thou Shall Not," a staged scene illustrating the Ten Prohibition."
Ron Griswold on Starry Starry Noir Rebels and Censors.
"Bernie Dowling wrote this perfectly, and I was glad I got to read this."
Kat M. on Film Noir Vs The Working Stiff.
"There are enjoyable peeks into how some of the most subversive, cynical, establishment-critical films of all were made right under the noses of (even bankrolled by) right-wing conservatives."
David Smith on Noir Dirt Cheap.
> On a related topic:
Thrillers, Chillers, and Killers (2025)
Radio and Film Noir
Through a Noir Lens (2024)
Adapting Film Noir Visual Style
American Noir Film (2024)
From The Maltese Falcon to Gone Girl
The Dark Interval (2023)
Film Noir, Iconography, and Affect
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