(NOIR) Out of the Fog - 1941 ***

John Garfield is an amazing actor but he doesn't half play some unlikeable characters. Here he plays a bootlegger who makes his living beating up people who won't give him money, and stumbles into a situation where he falls for the daughter of one of his latest victims. Ida Lupino plays her usual stupid, dense self who becomes infatuated by Garfield even when she finds out he is blackmailing her father.
Not your usual noir, as its set around the waterfront, but one to watch once.

(NOIR) The Shanghai Gesture - 1941 ****

I would imagine that this completely underrated classic was very shocking for it's time. It followed the decline of a woman who goes to Shanghai for some fun and excitement and becomes obsessed with gambling at the hands of the casino's owner 'Mother Gin Sling'.

One thing that stands out in this neo-drama is Gene Tierney's outstanding acting. She really acted her socks off and you believe every word that she says. She also seems to take on this amazing physical transformation throughout the course of the film, starting out with a bubbly, lively girl, and ending with a tortured, bedraggled addict. Amazing.

PS Victor Mature is great as well in his fez hat.