One of my favorite genres has to be the Noir or Thriller film. There is just something about these films that has always peeked my interest. During the 1940’s and 1950’s, Noir’s ‘reel’ heyday, there were many films produced with many of the leading men of the day taking center stage in the starring role. But you could not have a true classic noir without the Femme Fatale, who we will discuss in a latter article.
When you discuss this genre, several films come to mind, Double Indemnity, Laura, The Maltese Falcon, Sunset Boulevard, The Big Clock, The Big Heat a and many, many more. Which have all been released to home video and can be purchased at most retail chains. However, there are so many others that have never been released but are every bit, if not better than some of the better known titles. I have spent many years trying to get my hands on some of these gems, and I’d like to share some of my favorites with you.
Here is my list:
Shadow on The Wall (’50) w/Ann Sothern (of Private Secretary fame)
The Window (’49) w/Barbara Hale (Della Street of Perry mason)
Nora Prentiss (’47) w/Ann Sheridan
My Name is Julie Ross (’45) w/Nina Foch
Desperate (’47) w/Raymond Burr
Female on The Beach (’55) w/Joan Crawford
Rogue Cop (’54) w/Robert Taylor
Scandal Sheet (’52) w/Broderick Crawford
The Killer is Loose (’56) w/Joseph Cotton
The Locket (’46) w/Laraaine Day)
I remember sitting on the couch in the living room of my grandparent’s house in the late sixties and getting ready for another adventure with Marlin Perkins. What makes this memory even more heart-warming is that it was shared (every Sunday) with my Grandfather, who was also a huge fan show. We would sit, side-by-side after the family meal and watch, as Marlin Perkins went off on another adventure in the wilds of Africa. It’s possible he went to other countries as well, but I only remember Africa.
I recently watched some episodes of this amazing show, which is now available on DVD, and I must say, it was not a disappointment, all of my childhood memories came rushing back. The program has been updated (the latest in a trend to recapture those glory days) and is now available on the Animal Planet network. I applaud the efforts to have more programs like this available, as it is very important we understand our role in the conservation and preservation of our environment. Unfortunately as with most imitators, it is a far cry from the original. Wild Kingdom was truly a pioneer in the nature/wildlife programming, which today, has evolved to include countless imitators. But for me, Wild Kingdom will always be number one, where memories… so long ago, on lazy Sunday evenings, my granddad and I would explore the wilds, with a man named Marlin.
I remember (although with every passing year, it’s getting harder) waking up on Saturday mornings with the anticipation of watching my favorite cartoons. For me, it was Johnny Quest, Bugs Bunny. I have recently added Johnny Quest to my collection and when I am feeling those old nostalgic pains for those great cartoon I pop it in my DVD player and I’d be off to another adventure with Johnny, Dr. Quest, ‘Race’, Hadji and ‘Bandit’, with all of my childhood memories resurfacing. This was the ultimate cartoon if you were a young boy growing up in the late 60’s and early 70’s, one adventure after another and not an end in sight. Johnny lived most every boy’s fantasy. Many a Saturday I would go to my best friend’s house and we would watch it together, ‘oohing’ and ‘ahing’ at every turn. I would love to hear from you about your favorite classic cartoons.
Here is a list of other notable cartoons that have since gone bye-bye: Atom Any, Secret Squirrel, Huckleberry Hound, Touché Turtle, Wally Gator, Squidly, Magilla Gorilla, Super Chicken, The Hurculoids, Space Ghost, The Archie’s, Speed racer (original), Gigantor, Tom Slick, Tennessee Tuxedo, Deputy Dawg, Hillbilly Bears, Quick Draw McGraw, Yogi Bear, Frankenstein Jr., Casper (original), Popeye (original).
Please let me know of others, as I am sure I’ve left some out. Saturday mornings were a kid’s escape from the school week, into a land of imagination, fun and adventure.
Check out the classic cartoon theme music link, for a trip down memeory lane.
