a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

I'm still not entirely sure why this film made such an impression on me. Perhaps I'm just a bit of a sucker for film noir...Karel's mash-up mockumentary of clips from a host of classical Hollywood films and "interviews" with actors (in character) is used to tell a very noir'ish story of forbidden love, gangsters, undercover cops and lots and lots of murders.It's not a hugely surprising plot, almost cliché, but there's something about the blending of old clips and "interviews" that just plain works.I also think the decision to keep it to a fairly brief 88 minutes (well, the version I saw was actually 82 minutes, incl. credits) was the right one. Any longer and the clichés would probably have gotten too thick.

When I saw this on Aussie TV (ABC) one Sunday night I was surprised to see it had not appeared on this site and it took me a while to get the details to post it here, but it is well worthwhile because it is a fine little TV vignette to film Noir and a great chance to see some fine old actors and Cyd Charisse in her final screen appearance, along with Kirk Douglas in a strong non-speaking role and the rest of these Hollywood legends. It has echoes of Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid but without the humour. Well worth seeing as a curiosity piece and to enjoy some grand old film clips from the golden years of yore!!!I would give this an 8 out of 10