#1950scinema

[smither-scenes]

Miami Exposé (1956)

Miami Exposé (1956), directed by Fred F. Sears, is a compact, atmospheric slice of American film noir that brings crime and corruption in the sunshine state to life. Clocking in at just 75 minutes, this gritty black-and-white thriller offers an engaging mix of hard-boiled action, stellar performances, and a smattering of Everglades intrigue.

The Plot

The film stars Lee J. Cobb as Lt. Barton “Bart” Scott, a relentless Miami police lieutenant on a mission to dismantle rival Florida gambling rings run by gangster Louis Ascot (Michael Granger) and corrupt attorney Raymond Sheridan (Alan Napier). When Bart’s police captain is murdered, the case takes a darker turn, with Patricia Medina’s character, Lila Hodges—the wife of the gunman—becoming a crucial witness.

In true noir fashion, Lila is both a liability and a key to the case. Bart whisks her away to the Everglades, where tensions mount as the mob closes in. Cobb’s commanding performance as a tough yet morally grounded officer anchors the film, while Medina delivers a memorable portrayal of a squealing turncoat moll caught in the crossfire.

Standout Elements

Lee J. Cobb’s performance is the film’s standout feature, giving depth to a role that could have easily felt routine. His presence elevates the material, bringing a sense of gravitas and intensity that’s a hallmark of noir protagonists.

Edward Arnold shines in his role as the blackmailer Oliver Tubbs, though tragically, this was his final performance before his untimely death. The supporting cast—including Eleanore Tanin, Harry Lauter, and a brief appearance by boxing legend Jake LaMotta—further enrich the film’s gritty ambiance.

The Everglades setting adds an unusual backdrop for the genre, heightening the tension during a climactic chase scene where natural elements become as threatening as the mobsters themselves.

Behind the Scenes

Fred F. Sears directs with a steady hand, keeping the pacing brisk and the tone consistently tense. The film is written by Robert E. Kent and James B. Gordon, based on a story by Sam Katzman. Benjamin H. Kline’s cinematography captures the moody black-and-white aesthetic that defines classic noir, while Mischa Bakaleinikoff’s score underscores the suspense.

Final Thoughts

Miami Exposé might not be a heavyweight in the film noir canon, but it delivers an entertaining and well-acted story that fans of the genre will appreciate. Cobb’s magnetic performance, combined with the film’s lean storytelling and evocative atmosphere, makes it a hidden gem worth revisiting.

[curiositydidnotkillthecat2]

Something about Cinderella

On February 15, 1950, Cinderella, the animated film inspired by Charles Perrault's famous fairy tale, was screened for the first time in Boston. Produced with a budget of $3 million, the film went on to gross an impressive $95 million over the years.

To reduce production costs, 90% of the scenes were filmed in live action using a set with real actors. Cinderella was a major gamble for Disney: a failure at the box office would have forced the company to shut down. At the time, Disney was $4 million in debt and had not seen a significant box-office success in 13 years, since the release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937.

The story is set in France during the month of June and takes place in a castle specifically designed for the film, inspired by the famous Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. Cinderella’s iconic ball gown was modeled after a design by Christian Dior.

[prawitzz]

Dive into The Matrix reimagined in 1950's Super Panavision 70 style! Experience the thrilling blend of action, philosophy, and retro aesthetics in this captivating AI-generated trailer.

[regentstreetcinema]

🎵 Oh, the Deadwood stage is rollin' on over the... street? Calamity Jane is this week's classic musical, showing this Monday at 1pm.

[cesarsantosjr]

@Regran_ed from @latriada507 - Hoy en la Historia (1954): estrenó la película Gojira #IshiroHonda #KatsumiTezuka #Cinemagram #AkiraIfukube #KaijuMovies #HoyEnLaHistoria #ShigeruKayama #HaruoNakajima #Toho #ThisDayInHistory #TakeoMurata #Filmgram #MonsterMovies #EijiTsuburaya #JapaneseFilms #TodayInHistory #Moviegram #Gojira #1950sCinema - #regrann (en Chiriquí, Chiriqui, Panama) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpwGZ54A75j/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=p573nn2wm2on

[johnminnion]

Film Noir: characters and mood

Film Noir – the 1950s Hollywood black and white movie genre pervaded with shadows as dark and moody as its pessimistic themes and hard-boiled characters – evokes a great pictorial atmosphere.

So we got Eve and Matt to pose a couple of scenes from this cynical world of romantic tough guy antiheroes and seductive femme fatales. And I tried to light them in an atmospheric way that still allowed the artists to see their own paper... not easy.

(Above) by George on grey paper

(Above) by Prue

(Below) by Steve

(Above) by Angela

(Below) by Maria

(Above) by Jane

(Below) by Nneka

For the last pose, antihero Matt put on the private eye trenchcoat and Femme Eve got fatale with her gun.

(Above) by Angela

(Below) by Jane

(Above) by Prue

(Below) by Nneka

(Above) by Peter

[siscosfavoritecomics]

Today's Classic Sci-Fi movie selection is a double bill with The Giant Claw followed by The Night of the Blood Beast.⁣ ⁣

The first film, The Giant Claw (1957) has the world being terrorized by a gigantic invulnerable bird. Why is it here and how can it be stopped!!!⁣ ⁣

The second film is the Night of the Blood Beast (1958) has an astronaut D.O.A. upon returning to Earth. His corpse is carrying something that is horrific and something even more horrific is coming to retrieve it.⁣ ⁣

#ClassicSciFiMovie #ScienceFiction #TheGiantClaw #TheNightoftheBloodBeast #1950sMovies #1950sCinema #DoubleFeature #SciFiTwinBill #Movies #Comic #Comics #ComicBook #ComicBooks #SiscosFavoriteComics

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvIrRHZBHY2/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=11o8newqc1uwq

[officialjanerusselltribute]

Jane Russell on the set of Frank Tashilin’s THE SON OF PALEFACE (1952).

[regentstreetcinema]

This Bank Holiday Monday, join us for a special screening of The King And I (1956) - plus a free cuppa and biscuits!

Over 55s pay just £5.

[regentstreetcinema]

We've got an extra special treat for our guests coming up this Monday: a live organ recital, played on our original Compton organ, ahead of our matinée screening of #FunnyFace.

(Please note that the film will start 30 mins later than normal!)

[regentstreetcinema]

This is an Audrey Hepburn appreciation post, because it's Valentine's Day and so why not?

(We've also got an Audrey Hepburn season running at the moment - every Monday at 1pm!)

[regentstreetcinema]

Kicking off our brand new season of classic 1950s Americana, this Monday we'll be showing South Pacific!

As always, Monday Classic Matinées are just £5 per ticket for over-55s, so get booking!

[regentstreetcinema]

This Monday, we're kicking off our Audrey Hepburn season with #RomanHoliday - as you've never seen it before! We'll be screening the new 4K restoration of William Wyler's classic romcom this Monday. Don't miss it.