British Noir (DVD)

While the film noir movement may seem like a distinctly American phenomenon, British studios embarked on their own shadowy thrillers, laced with postwar cynicism. This five-DVD collection assembles some of the lesser-known Brit noir titles from the Rank Studios, featuring such major talents as actors James Mason, Trevor Howard, and John Mills; and directors Ronald Neame and Roy Ward Baker. THEY MET IN THE DARK (1943) Discharged for treason, a former Navy Commander (James Mason) sets out to expose the espionage ring that destroyed his career - Directed by Carl Lamac. THE OCTOBER MAN (1947) After a traumatic brain injury, a young engineer (John Mills) tries to repair his life. But his recovery is thwarted when a woman (Kay Walsh) is found strangled - and he becomes the prime suspect - Directed by Roy Ward Baker. SNOWBOUND (1948) A British Army vet (Dennis Price) exposes a plot by ex-Nazis to reclaim a stash of gold bullion hidden at a ski resort. This edition was derived from a master suffering from moderate deterioration and is presented in a less-than-ideal condition - the stellar cast included Robert Newton, Herbert Lom and Stanley Holloway - Directed by David MacDonald. THE GOLDEN SALAMANDER (1950) A British archaeologist (Trevor Howard) finds himself caught between a gang of North African gun-runners and the woman he loves (Anouk Aimee) - the top-notch cast included Herbert Lom and Wilfrid-Hyde White - Directed by Ronald Neame. THE ASSASSIN (aka Venetian Bird) (1952) A private eye (Richard Todd) arrives in Venice in search of a fugitive, but soon discovers that the city's winding waterways hold dark secrets - Directed by Ralph Thomas.

Starring: James Mason, John Mills, Trevor Howard, Anouk Aimée, Joan Greenwood, Herbert Lom, Kay Walsh, Edward Chapman, Joyce Carey, Catherine Lacey, Frederick Piper, Adrianne Allen, Patrick Holt, George Benson, Ann Wilton, Jack Melford, Edward Underdown, Juliet Mills, James Hayter, Dennis Price, Mila Parely, Stanley Holloway, Marcel Dalio, Guy Middleton, Robert Newton, Zena Marshall, Richard Todd, Eva Bartok, John Gregson, George Coulouris, Margot Grahame, Walter Rilla, John Bailey, Sid James, Martin Boddey, Michael Balfour, Sydney Tafler, Miles Malleson, Eric Pohlmann, Joyce Howard, Tom Walls, Phyllis Stanley, Edward Rigby, Ronald Ward, David Farrar, Karel Stepanek, Finlay Currie, Betty Warren, Walter Crisham, Brefni O'Rorke, Ronald Chesney, George Robey

Rating: NR