Encyclopedia of Film Noir

When viewers think of film noir, they often picture actors like Humphrey Bogart playing characters like Sam Spade in The Maltese Falcon. Yet there is a lot more to the genre than its most well-known films and actors. The authors first examine the debate surrounding the parameters of the genre and the many different ways it is defined. They discuss the Noir City, its setting and backdrop, and also the cultural and institutional influences, such as World War II, McCarthyism, and the studios' self-imposed censorship via the Hayes Code. An analysis of sub-genres, and the low budget and series film noirs provides information on those cult classics. With over 200 entries on films, directors, and actors, the "Encyclopedia of Film Noir" is the most complete resource for film fans, students, and scholars. Each entry includes: director; producer; cinematography; script; music; cast; plot description; and critical analysis.