Film Noir on TCM’s “Summer Under the Stars”

The happiest month of the year for classic film lovers is August – because that’s the month that Turner Classic Movies offers up its great series, “Summer Under the Stars,” with each day featuring back to back to back films focusing on a single performer from the Golden Age of Film. In addition to airing features starring some of my favorite stars, including Bette Davis, James Stewart, Humphrey Bogart, and Joan Crawford, “Summer Under the Stars” includes a great collection from the film noir era. Set your DVD player, TIVO (or, in my case, your VCR) and don’t miss these “don’t miss” film noir classics! (And forgive me for missing those that aired earlier in the month!)

Gloria Grahame and Humphrey Bogart in "In a Lonely Place"

Wednesday, August 17 — Humphrey Bogart

The Big Sleep (Warner Bros., 1946): A private detective is hired by a wealthy invalid whose daughter is being blackmailed.
In A Lonely Place (Columbia, 1950): A hot-tempered screenwriter finds himself accused of the murder of a hatcheck girl.
The Maltese Falcon (Warner Bros., 1941): A motley cast of characters search for a jewel-encrusted statuette of a black bird.

Monday, August 22 — Joan Crawford

Mildred Pierce (Warner Bros., 1945): A single mother sacrifices all for the love of her spoiled, self-centered daughter.

Thursday, August 25 — Burt Lancaster

Sweet Smell of Success (United Artists, 1957): Powerful Broadway columnist is obsessed with ending the engagement of his kid sister to a local musician.
Brute Force (Universal-International, 1947): Cellmates band together to plan a prison break.