Film Noir: The Dark Side of Cinema XII [Undertow/ Outside The Wall/ Hold Back Tomorrow]

Undertow (1949)

While changing planes in Chicago, gambler/ex-con Tony Reagan (Scott Brady) was only thinking of reclaiming an honest life. When a local crime boss with whom he’s had his issues turns up dead, he’s fingered for the crime--and he’s got to stay one step ahead of the cops in a footrace to prove his innocence. William Castle’s thriller co-stars John Russell, Dorothy Hart, Peggy Dow; keep an eye out for Rock Hudson. 71 min. BW/Rtg: NR

Outside The Wall (1950)

Paroled after 15 years in Philly stir, Larry Nelson (Richard Basehart) wanted to keep his nose clean--and thought he could do so as an orderly at an upstate sanitarium. However, a convalescing gangster (John Hoyt) needed someone to deliver hush money to his ex (Signe Hasso)--and it gets dangerous when she greedily starts looking for the whole roll. Marilyn Maxwell, Dorothy Hart, Lloyd Gough, Harry Morgan co-star. 80 min. BW/Rtg: NR

Hold Back Tomorrow (1956)

Due to hang for murder, inmate Joe Cardos (John Agar) passed on the last meal and demanded a woman's company for his final hours. His obliging jailers rousted a hooker (Cleo Moore) coming off a suicide attempt--and the lurid circumstances would bring a profound connection for the two lost souls. Noir melodrama from Hugo Haas also stars Frank DeKova, Harry Guardino, Mel Welles. 75 min. BW/Rtg: NR

Standard; Soundtrack: English; Subtitles: English; audio commentary; theatrical trailers.