Morten W. Hansen
I'm still not entirely sure why this film made such an impression on me. Perhaps I'm just a bit of a sucker for film noir...Karel's mash-up mockumentary of clips from a host of classical Hollywood films and "interviews" with actors (in character) is used to tell a very noir'ish story of forbidden love, gangsters, undercover cops and lots and lots of murders.It's not a hugely surprising plot, almost cliché, but there's something about the blending of old clips and "interviews" that just plain works.I also think the decision to keep it to a fairly brief 88 minutes (well, the version I saw was actually 82 minutes, incl. credits) was the right one. Any longer and the clichés would probably have gotten too thick.
Svengali-2001
When I saw this on Aussie TV (ABC) one Sunday night I was surprised to see it had not appeared on this site and it took me a while to get the details to post it here, but it is well worthwhile because it is a fine little TV vignette to film Noir and a great chance to see some fine old actors and Cyd Charisse in her final screen appearance, along with Kirk Douglas in a strong non-speaking role and the rest of these Hollywood legends. It has echoes of Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid but without the humour. Well worth seeing as a curiosity piece and to enjoy some grand old film clips from the golden years of yore!!!I would give this an 8 out of 10