Blu Ray Review: New Noir Set from Kino Lorber focuses on Edward G. Robinson

After having been a star in the 1930s and 1940s, specializing in tough guy roles, Edward G. Robinson was “gray listed” by the House UnAmerican Activities Committee and had difficulty finding much work in the early and mid 1950s.  He appeared mostly in indie films, but these were often well-crafted noir dramas that showcased his uncanny talent as an actor.  Kino Lorber’s latest Film Noir set (number XVII) features three films from this period in Robinson’s career.

VICE SQUAD (1953)

A cop is killed in the line of duty and the only witness is a man who is cheating on his wife. Not wanting to reveal himself, he is reticent to give much info, and has a shyster as a lawyer.  Eddie G. is the detective captain who is determined to find out more information.  The film is directed by Arnold Laven for his own production company and released thru United Artists.  It is a low budget noir with some nice shots and a good flowing narrative.  Robinson commands the narrative with his usual presence, his character strongly overseeing all of the crimes going on in his district.  Porter Hall is very good as the befuddled witness, but second-billed Paulette Goddard isn’t in the film enough.  Strong and compelling, the blu ray features a commentary track by film historian/screenwriter Gary Gerani.

BLACK TUESDAY (1954)

Edward G. Robinson is at his scariest and most brutal in this noir actioner where he escapes from prison with an accomplice, played by a young Peter Graves. Usually by this point in his career, Eddie G. was playing wily detective roles in noir indies, but this time he taps back into his classic bad guy persona, playing an even more ruthless character than Johnny Rocco in Key Largo.  This is an exceptional 50s B-level indie and Eddie G. offers one of his career-best performances.  Kino’s blu ray features a commentary track by film historian/screenwriter Gary Gerani.

NIGHTMARE (1956)

Good psychological noir with Kevin McCarthy waking up from a nightmare in which he killed a man, only to discover bruises on his body that correlate with his dream.  Did he actually commit murder and thought it was just a dream?  Thrilling mystery buoyed by Edward G. Robinson as the man’s brother-in-law, a police detective who helps him piece things together.  This one is less conventional, with some hot period jazz enhancing the passionate performances.  Kino’s blu ray features a commentary by professor and film scholar Jason A. Ney.

All three of the films on this set are brand new HD masters from 2K scans of the 35mm negatives.

This outstanding collection of 50s B noirs is highly recommended and can be purchased at this link:  NOIR XVII