Please join us for another three-part film noir series, which will include a mix of both American and international film noir. The films to be presented are considered by most film scholars as the finest examples of the film noir genre.
Each screening will begin with a brief introduction to the film’s highlights and its significance in film history. A discussion of the film will follow.
The first film in the series will be The Breaking Point (1950), directed by Michael Curtiz
– 1 hr. 37 min.
From the Criterion Collection:
“Michael Curtiz brings a master skipper’s hand to the helm of this thriller, adapted from Ernest Hemingway’s 1937 novel To Have and Have Not. John Garfield stars as Harry Morgan, an honest charter-boat captain who, facing hard times, takes on dangerous cargo to save his boat, support his family, and preserve his dignity. Left in the lurch by a freeloading passenger, Harry starts to entertain the criminal propositions of a sleazy lawyer (Wallace Ford), as well as the playful come-ons of a cheeky blonde (Patricia Neal), making a series of compromises that stretch his morality—and his marriage—further than he’ll admit.The Breaking Pointcharts a course through daylight noir and working-class tragedy, guided by Curtiz’s effortless visual fluency and a stoic, career-capping performance from Garfield.”
Popcorn and soft drinks will be served.
Limit: 15 participants