Book Review: Encyclopedia of Television Noir 1949-2024
TV historian Vincent Terrace’s new book from McFarland is an exhaustive, fascinating compilation of all the TV shows that could conceivably be part of the Noir sub-genre. The list is alphabetical, not chronological, which works when a particular program is redone under its original title (e.g. Perry Mason from the 50s and early 60s, and again in 2020).
Each entry offers statistical information, description, background and insights. It is where you will find such diverse programs as One Step Beyond, Starsky and Hutch, and Hawaiian Eye, covering decades and presenting a variety of different shows that all have common themes in presentation.
As a reference source, this is a very thoroughgoing and brilliant study, offering important information for anyone who wants to investigate the 270 series, including a listing of TV pilot films.
Covering shows from the beginning of TV series production well into the 21st century, Encyclopedia of Television Noir is a must for libraries, research centers, and those interested in the history of the small screen.
The book is available at this link: TVNOIR
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