In one person's opinion "Film Noir" is not and never will be a genuine film genre. Rather it is an artificial classification dubbed so by a group of French film critics who became frustrated by American exports during the immediate post World War II time period. Contract players reported back to their studios for work and since they were on the payroll again they were quickly assigned to mostly inexpensive films which were easy to write and produce. Their common style, mood and tone (and frequent omniscient voice-over narration, as well as the consistent use of flashbacks) attest to the fact that they were hastily made and distributed as the "B" films of double-features. I believe too many of us have been seduced by the nostalgia of these films instead of their genuine aesthetics. I'd be interested in any rebuttals. Rolf W. Brandis ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]