Next week I'm only covering movies in the FILM NOIR genre so let's take a look at one of the best Noir-parodies ever made, 1947's MY FAVORITE BRUNETTE with Bob Hope as a baby photographer turned private detective. Not sure which line of work is more dangerous.
There are two rules to watching these old comedies-- the first is to pay attention, the writing is smart and assumes you are listening so a lot of the ad libs are the best parts. In one scene, Hope and co-star Dorothy Lamour are attempting to escape from a mental asylum so they stop at the coat closet before leaving.
Hope: All I could find is this old rag.
Lamour: That's mine.
Hope: Oh, it's nice material.
The second rule is that you have to watch a decent print. A lot of these oldies are available in bargain bins but you aren't getting a bargain most of the time. If the print is watery or washed out it becomes hard to watch. Choose releases from companies like ROAN, KINO, TCM or the major studios over titles from ALPHA, MAYDACY and the countless others.
Give this one a shot-- if you appreciate Film Noir this is a good way to whet your appetite.
