Movies of the 1940s and 1950s: Including My Favorite Noir Films and Stars
by Gary Koca
Film noir is a genre of films made in Hollywood in the 1940s and 1950s that have certain stylistic and thematic similarities. Specifically, it includes stories of crime and moral ambiguity shot typically in black and white with contrast lighting (bright lights and dark shadows). Film noir means “black film” in French, but these are not French films. However, the term was coined by French critics, hence the title. German filmmakers like John F. Seitz and Fritz Lang shaped the style by applying the fundamentals of expressionism to the gritty American crime story, including the use of private eyes and gangsters.
In reading this book, you will find that many of the films are easily recognizable, like Double Indemnity, The Maltese Falcon, and Out of the Past. However, I have watched several hidden gems, many of which I saw on TCM’s “Noir Alley.” [1] I hope this book will peak your interest in watching some of these lesser-known movies as well.
About the Author
Gary Koca has had a love of old movies and baseball for as far back as he can remember. Professionally, he worked in human resources management as a Federal employee or contractor for 42 years until retiring in 2012. He has written and published books on Forgotten Movie Stars of the 30s, 40s, and 50s (2013); Great Chicago Cub Baseball Players Since 1876 (2015); the 2016 Chicago Cubs (2016); Good Guys, Bad Guys, and Sidekicks in Western Movies (2016); Good and Bad Sci-Fi/Horror/Monster Movies of the 1950s (2017); and most recently, More Forgotten Movie Stars of the 30s, 40s, and 50s.
Koca is married with two daughters and four grandchildren. He divides his time between the Chicago area and Central Florida. In addition to writing and following the Chicago Cubs, his hobbies include bicycle riding, walking, gardening, bocce ball, singing in a classic rock band, and running a book club.
Gary Koca
