Femme Noir: Bad Girls of Film Review

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Femme Noir: Bad Girls of Film ReviewReview: Femme Noir: Bad Girls of Film January 2010
This book can be summed up with four adjectives, all superlatives: thorough, thoughtful, well-written, and fun. And what a great title! And what a great cover - well worth the price of admission on its own! I am amazed at the voluminous number of sources Ms. Burroughs-Hannsberry researched and organized in preparation for composing this lengthy volume. (Don't be put-off by its bulk.)
Altogether, the author has written capsule biographies of forty-nine actresses who appeared in film noir, mainly in the 1940s and 1950s. Each chapter is organized along similar lines; an introductory opening, an overview of the film noir career of the actress in question, a few paragraphs on her life and times, then a detailed account of her acting career with emphasis on her noir films, ending with a conclusion that is up-beat if possible and always respectful. Ms. B-H presents the facts as are known and doesn't get into salacious speculation which would detract from the far more interesting events of the actress' career. This doesn't mean that she has no view point of her own - she does and is not shy about allowing her opinions and judgments influence her analysis. But she is not interested in digging up dirt and wallowing accordingly. How refreshing!
One of the beauties of this book is the bringing to life for the reader actresses who, although famous in their day, are pretty much forgotten now; as well as reacquainting us with those who are still well known. Thus I became familiar with Ella Rains, Jeanne Crain, Rhonda Fleming, Audrey Totter, and Virginia Huston, stars I had never heard of. Other names I did know but that was about it; Barbara Stanwyck, Ava Gardner, Joan Crawford, Rita Haworth, Gene Tierney, Lauren Bacall, Loretta Young. They were giants in their day, in all kinds of movies, not only film noir. Ms. B-H brings their careers and noir film rolls vividly to life, enabling her readers to partially re-live the history of Hollywood's golden era.
A project of this scope one can't possibility include all actresses who appeared in noir films so Ms. B-H decided to include only those actresses who appeared in at least three, with a few notable exceptions. Therefore Lana Turner, whose performance as Cora Smith in The Postman Always Rings Twice was so compelling, gets in. As does Jane Greer - an actress I had never heard of before - as Kathie Moffat in Out of the Past - a film I had never heard of either. However, there are several omissions that stand out. Not included are Linda Darnell who appeared in at least three film noir, Cyd Charisse (would you believe), and Lucille Ball - yes, I love Lucy herself. Perhaps they and others might be included in a future second edition.
In any book of this size there are bound to be mistakes, factual errors, typos, etc., but they are far and few between. Unfortunately, I didn't keep a record so can't cite any off-hand, except that one mentioned Dick Powell in a film he wasn't in (I think). But these are minor quibbles for a book that is so compelling, rewarding, and enjoyable.
It occurs to me that, with Valentine's Day just around the corner, this book would make a great gift for one's sweetheart. The price is a little high - but it's Valentine's Day; isn't he/she worth it?
Enjoy!
CW Barnett
Kensington, Connecticut
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