The Cinema Cafe

Serving Screen Stories Sweet and Savoury

Dish of the Day

Just some film musings of a more succinct, spontaneous and sometimes seditious nature:

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Currently available at Watch TCM (until June 30th):

What exactly is film noir? Many enthusiasts and experts continue to debate the subject, with numerous examples of films that should, and just as many that should not, be included in the category. Some, who most likely feel that noir films rely on a certain look, dismiss any colour film as unworthy of being categorised as such. Others like myself, prone to distinguishing noir by its subject matter, are more inclined to include colour films produced during noir's classic time period that focus on crime and the psychologies of those involved. This brings me to my next TCM selection and a prior Blu-ray recommendation here, 1953's Niagara, one of the strongest arguments for colour noir that exists.

Marilyn Monroe

"Why should the Falls drag me down here at 5 o'clock in the morning? To show me how big they are and how small I am? To remind me they can get along without any help? All right, so they've proved it. But why not? They've had ten thousand years to get independent. What's so wonderful about that? I suppose I could too, only it might take a little more time."

Joseph Cotten

More information on this screening can be obtained by clicking on either of the images above. Watch TCM’s schedule can be seen by clicking on the banner below.

All responses are not only welcomed but encouraged in the comments section below.

Hope to see you tomorrow.

A.G.