Dark City Dames

The Women Who Defined Film Noir (Revised and Expanded Edition)

De: Eddie Muller

Narrado por: Natalie Naudus, Eddie Muller

In this revised and expanded edition of his essential volume Dark City Dames, Eddie Muller—Turner Classic Movies host and author of Dark Cityand Noir Bar—offers a uniquely intimate look at the women who defined film noir, now featuring updated text and 10 new star profiles.

Film noir was the dark side of the movies’ happily-ever-after mythology. Sinister and sexy, it forged a new icon: the tough, independent dame. Determined, desirable, dangerous when cornered, she could handle trouble—or deal out some of her own. If you thought these women were something special onscreen, wait until you meet the genuine articles. In Dark City Dames, acclaimed film historian Eddie Muller takes readers into the world of six women who made a lasting impression in this cinematic terrain—from veteran “bad girls” Audrey Totter, Marie Windsor, and Jane Greer to unexpected genre fixtures Evelyn Keyes, Coleen Gray, and Ann Savage.

The book provides in-depth profiles of these formidable women during the height of their careers, circa 1950, as they balanced love and career, struggled against typecasting, and sought fulfillment in a ruthless business. Their personal stories—teeming with larger-than-life characters like Howard Hughes, Louis B. Mayer, Robert Mitchum, Otto Preminger, and John Huston—offer a fascinating counterpoint to their movies. Then Dark City Dames revisits each woman fifty years later, to witness their hard-won—and triumphant—survival. On every page their own voices ring through, reflecting on their lives with as much passion, pain, intelligence, energy, and humor as any movie script.

Muller conducted far-ranging interviews with the original six women profiled in Dark City Dames, in the process becoming a friend and confidante to each. In this revised and expanded edition, he updates their stories and shares illuminating, never-before-told memories of his time with them. This edition also includes compelling new profiles of ten additional women who left an indelible mark on film noir, including Joan Bennett, Gail Russell, Rhonda Fleming, and Claire Trevor—all packaged that offers the ultimate look at performers who helped define a still-resonant and inspiring epoch of Hollywood history.

Holly-weird

I love to watch Eddie Moeller every weekend, which is why I purchased the book. Tons and tons of obscure facts on actors and directors and writers, some of which are rather disappointing. I guess the worst part is how disgusting the men were in Hollywood in the 30s 40s and 50s. It seemed like not one that had any self-respect was written about. And these women had to make a choice: either play the game or be unemployed. I guess that’s what they call a Hobson‘s Choice, and neither side was very appealing anyway . Being a Los Angeles native, I just have to say that so many of the names were weirdly pronounced, and the narrator seemed as if she wanted to be the actress instead of the woman she was speaking about. If you’re looking for odd facts about Hollywood, this book is for you.

A feast for Noir fans

Muller claims this was a dream to write. It is also a dream to read. Many of the best femme fatales in Noir are interviewed and written about here. I'd have been happy with only the Jane Greer chapters (I'm obsessed with Kathy Moffat, even after many, many viewings of Out of the Past), but he provides much more -- about the actresses and their best films, I've stacked up many films from my library to rewatch - again. A fun book, although some sad endings for some of the actresses. I've always had a soft spot for Gail Russell, knowing what she went through every time she was in front of a camera. Solid narration by Natalie Naudus. (The only thing missing is a PDF download with some photos. I may have to buy the traditional book just for the pix.) Highly recommended for film fans and Film Noir junkies -- like me.