Rick Francis:
Since your query went out over Screen-L, I'll answer it here
rather than personally. I heard about Bill Everson's pre-noir
noir book during a conversation we had while he was down for a
meeting of the board for the National Film Registry last year. As
I recall, the book was in the "near completion" phase. I
sincerely hope my memory serves correctly and I am not misquoting
him. He has given talks on the subject at various archives and
festivals around the country.
Meanwhile, best of luck with your syllabus and course.
Brian Taves
Motion Picture Division, Library of Congress
202-707-0023
Tavesmail.loc.gov