Stella Dallas (rubystevens)

this isn't a horror movie; it's a crime thriller. produced by gaumont to compete with the popular perils of pauline serial, it's divided into 10 parts, average 30-45 minutes. these were shown in theaters before the main feature. the story follows reporter philippe guérande's investigation of the mysterious exploits of a gang of master criminals known as les vampires. it's full of nefarious plots, disguises and daring escapes, with stunning stuntwork. musidora, a former acrobat, plays irma vep, cinema's first femme fatale, slinking around in a body stocking like catwoman. comic relief is provided by guérande's friend mazamette, who often appears to address the camera. yes it took awhile to get through, but for the most part it was highly entertaining :)

a rare sequel better than the original. dr. pretorious steals the show

my favorite movie, a mob epic and scorsese's masterpiece

the quintessential noir, a style that's had a huge influence on everyone from scorsese and tarantino to the coen brothers and david lynch, not to mention french new wave. robert mitchum gives his most perfect lethargic and world-weary performance