Black Stockings and Noirvember Vibes

Well, as November winds down, any intentions I had to write some “Noirvember” posts will likely remain just that, intentions. In place of actual noir musings, the least I can do is share this photo shoot of English singer Louise Redknapp giving some seriously sultry femme fatale vibes. Wow. Those gorgeous gams, covered in smooth, … Continue reading Black Stockings and Noirvember Vibes →

Garters, Girls, and Guns: The Art of Howard Chaykin

For those not in the know, Howard Victor Chaykin is a comic book artist, freelance illustrator, and painter who’s been producing commercial and fine art for fifty-plus years now. From comics to paperback covers to advertising art, Chaykin has left his mark in many arenas. His graphic design sensibilities are exquisite and, in many ways, … Continue reading Garters, Girls, and Guns: The Art of Howard Chaykin →

Hot Shots of the Week: The Big Heat

This week’s hot shots come from the publicity photos and poster for the excellent 1953 film noir, The Big Heat. The publicity shots are some of the most provocative of their era, with Gloria Grahame kneeling suggestively before Glenn Ford and his gun—clearly meant to stand in for his other piece, if you know what … Continue reading Hot Shots of the Week: The Big Heat →

Bad Girls We Love: Bridget Gregory in The Last Seduction

Who's a girl gotta suck around here to get a drink? Thirty years ago this fall, raven-haired beauty Linda Fiorentino gifted us with one of the great femme fatales of all time in John Dahl’s excellent neo-noir The Last Seduction (1994). Bridget Gregory is iconic, a deliciously manipulative grifter with a sardonic streak. She’s cold … Continue reading Bad Girls We Love: Bridget Gregory in The Last Seduction →

Hot Shots of the Week: Thou Shalt Not

[A.L. “Whitey”] Schafer decided to create a novelty shot to satirically slap at the Production Code, the censorship standards of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors Assn. His satirical image, entitled, “Thou Shalt Not,” displayed the top 10 faux-pas disallowed by industry censors, who approved every photographic image shot by studios before they could be … Continue reading Hot Shots of the Week: Thou Shalt Not →

Noirvember: Nineties Noirish Erotic Thrillers

It’s Noirvember, a time to celebrate all things noir, including the 1990s noirish erotic thriller. The month is almost over and I didn’t get to do any other noir posts, so to make up for that I’ve super-sized this post. Hands down, one of the best erotic thriller posters of all time, plus a terrific … Continue reading Noirvember: Nineties Noirish Erotic Thrillers →

Meet Me at Vallenari’s

Of the three sensational films Michelle Pfeiffer’s made in 1988, Robert Towne’s California crime drama Tequila Sunrise (1988) has really grown on me. The other two, Married to the Mob and Dangerous Liaisons, felt like instant classics for me., but Tequila Sunrise took a little time to work it’s slow charms on me—not too long, … Continue reading Meet Me at Vallenari’s →