Dark Crimes: Film Noir Thrillers - Volume 1 (MOD) (DVD Movie)

Turner Classic Movies and Universal Studios Home Entertainment present a 3-disc collection including THE GLASS KEY, PHANTOM LADY and THE BLUE DAHLIA. THE GLASS KEY (1942) Based on the Dashiell Hammett novel which was first filmed in 1935 with George Raft, this remake, directed by Stuart Heisler (I Died a Thousand Times, 1955), is generally considered the definitive film version and reunited Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake after their dynamic and popular pairing in This Gun For Hire the same year. A tale of political corruption, organized crime and deadly double crosses, THE GLASS KEY focuses on a ruthless political boss and his hired gun and best friend who bends the law and worse to protect their interests. Enter a beautiful blonde....and the fireworks begin. THE PHANTOM LADY (1944) A man (Alan Curtis) arrested for murdering his wife can't produce his only alibi - a mysterious woman he met in a bar - so his loyal secretary (Ella Raines) goes undercover in an attempt to locate her in this cult favorite based on the Cornell Woolrich novel. Robert Siodmak, who would go on to direct such iconic noir thrillers as The Killers (1946) and Criss Cross (1949), first demonstrated his unique flair forthe genre in this atmospheric B-movie that features a surprising change of pace role for Franchot Tone and a scene-stealing performance by Elisha Cook Jr. as a hopped-up, sinister jazz drummer. THE BLUE DAHLIA (1946) A WWII veteran is accused of killing his unfaithful wife and races against time to find the real murderer with the help of a sympathetic stranger in this tense mystery thriller, adapted for the screen by hard-boiled detective writer Raymond Chandler who received an Oscar nom.