Samuel Fuller (1912–1997)

I love the way that Fuller early in the movie not only has Constance Towers walk past a movie marquee showing his film "Shock Corridor" but also has her sitting on a park bench reading his novel "The Dark Page". And that's where she has a consequential conversation with an asshole cop who tries to make her life miserable for almost the rest of the movie. Oh sure, she's a prostitute, but she's trying to reform, as the lines on her not that old face will tell you. And look how well she plays and sings with children! All along, we know something bad is going to happen, but I must admit the twist took me by surprise when it occurred. As usual for Fuller, the narrative is a bit off kilter, and the characters, even the minor ones are fascinating. Well worth watching, but no masterpiece.… (more)

Extremely violent, often cinematic (no surprise given the author) story of a mentally impaired bagman's unfortunate love affair with the widow of a criminal. There's so much going on in this book, and it jumps from place to place and time to time so much it's a wonder it doesn't all fall apart by the end. But the events and the memorable characters, including one of the nastiest hitmen on record, will keep you reading until the end. And what an ending--not just the ending, but the after-ending. If you are looking for real noir, this is the deal.… (more)