Time magazine’s film critic claims that this is the first true film noir and proceeds to list the elements it has to support his assertion. He provides brief biographical sketches of James M. Cain and several of the principal cast and crew members which gives us a historical perspective to what we are watching. Schickel also talks about the origins of noir, where the term came from and what inspired the genre to thrive in the ‘40s. This is an informative if somewhat dry track but well worth a listen nonetheless although, it's doubtful you'll want to listen to it again any time soon.

Schickel talks a lot about the Film Noir, the differences between the novel and the script and the working relationhip between Wilder and Chandler. The actors and the tone of the movie are also mentioned.

Schickel has a lot of informations, but talks in a dry way. There are some gaps on the track. The track is solid. 7 out of 10. If you want to hear only one track, choose the other one with Dobbs/Redman. It is better.

Dobbs points out that this film was made before the moniker of film noir became known. He informs us that, at the time, Cain’s novella and others of its kind were considered immoral and it was hard to get it green-lighted by any of the Hollywood studios. The two men compare Cain and Raymond Chandler, discussing their characteristics and differences, style of writing, and so on at great length. This is a much more engaging, analytical track with Dobbs tending to dominate in an entertaining fashion.

Dobbs and Redman are a very good team. This track is not very scene specific. Most of the time Dobbs is talking, but Redman has always good additions.

They are talking about film noir in general, Wilder’s life/career, the differences between Chandler and Cain, emigrants in Hollywood, Hollywood during WW II, the actors, the style, locations, the old L.A., the reception of the movie and its legacy. Dobbs is a screenwriter himself. He talks a lot about the script. He has also nice recollection about the meetings with Wilder.

This is an excellent track. Don’t miss it. 10 out of 10.