The Endless Summer (1966) ***

Enjoyable surf doc is a masterpiece of photography, editing and writing. Impressive.

Guilty Bystander (1950) **

Zach Scott is strong in this gritty blackout noir nearly stolen by Kay Medford.

Confessions of an Opium Eater (1962) **

Cheap (and cheaply made) exploitation flick is just bonkers enough to be entertaining. Vincent Price as an action star is one thing and the dialogue is a hoot. At least they used Asian actors to play the Asian characters.

Deadline at Dawn (1946) **

Frustrating blackout noir that has some terrific dialogue, a never better Sue Hayward, a couple of great supporting turns but also some crazy plot twists and an awful lead. Entertaining nonetheless.

5 Steps to Danger (1956) **

The great Sterling Hayden fixes a lot about this breakneck paced cold war noir.

The Stars Look Down (1940) **

Mostly dull kitchen sink melodrama about pre-war Scottish miners saved by a gutsy finish.

The Sleeping Cardinal (1931) **

Worthy Holmes mystery is well written and stylishly filmed (for the time). Mr. Wontner sets a high bar for future Sherlocks.

Nightmare (1956) **

Preposterous blackout noir is watchable thanks to Eddie G.