Blu ray review: Film Noir XXII

Another three-film noir set from Kino Lorber includes a later Michael Curtiz, an elusive Humphrey Bogart, and the last theatrical film featuring Wayne Morris.

THE SCARLET HOUR (1955)

Not much attention is given to the films Michael Curtiz directed in the 1950s.  This legendary director of films like Angels With Dirty Faces (1938) and Casablanca (1942) remained active into the dawn of the 1960s.  When he broke with Warners and did independent deals, he directed films in several genres, including White Christmas (1954) and the best Elvis Presley movie King Creole (1958).  The Scarlet Hour is a noir that benefits greatly from Curtiz’s talent and skill. He reportedly did not like Frank Tashlin’s story (Tashlin also contributed to the screenplay) but he manages to put together a solid film with a strong visual sense and good performances by its cast.

PLUNDER ROAD (1957)

Wayne Morris was a Warner contract player as a young man, appearing with Edward G Robinson, Bette Davis, and Humphrey Bogart in Kid Galahad (1937).  Twenty years later notably appeared in Stanley Kubrick’s Paths of Glory (1957).  He also appeared in this indie crime noir made for release by 20th Century Fox. Hubert Cornfield didn’t do a lot of directing but worked with some top stars over the years, and his helming of this heist film is effective and competent. The interesting cast includes, along with Morris, Gene Raymond, Stafford Repp, and Elisha Cook jr.

THE ENFORCER (1951)

A lesser-known Humphrey Bogart film, technically his last for Warner Bros, although they only distributed this indie production.  Director Bretaigne Windust became ill at the beginning of shooting, so Raoul Walsh finished the film without credit.  Told mostly in flashback, it is loosely based on real-life Murder Inc, with Zero Mostel, Ted de Corsia and Everett Sloane rounding out the cast. Perhaps because it was released the same year as The African Queen, which netted Bogie an Oscar, The Enforcer has gotten too-little attention over the years.  It is perhaps the best film in this set.

Among the extras include audio commentaries on The Enforcer and The Scarlet Road by Alan K. Rode, and an audio commentary on Plunder Road by Jeremy Arnold.  Both commentaries are very informative and enlightening.

All of these great 50s noir films are recommended, the set available for order at this link: NOIRXXII