Film Noir Women

The film noir women are a fascinating bunch. While the films usually feature a male protagonist who is iin some sort of psychic distress or dangerous predicament, the women are usually the catalysts of whatever choices our "hero" makes, for better or for worse.

Sometimes, the woman is the key player, as in Mildred Pierce. More often, she's either the "good girl", dragged willingly or unwillingly into her man's downward spiralling chaos.

Other times, she's the cheerful, tough, working class gal pal who tries to help, but frequently gets a broken heart, or maybe killed, for her trouble.

Most of all, the film noir women are the provocative femme fatales, who seduce and lure our man most beguilingly, then go in for the big sting, or some other form of betrayal. Often, though, they just can't seem to help themselves. They aren't really evil, just misguided.

Even the ones who fall in love with the guy still can't stop hurting him. (Rhonda Fleming's character with Dick Powell's character in Cry Danger.)

This is most interesting of course, when the man knows the danger, sees what's coming, but he too, can't help himself. (Robert Mitchum's character when he falls for Cathy in Out Of The Past. Also, Fred MacMurray's character when he meets Barbara Stanwyk's character in Double Indemnity.

Below are some of the greatest actresses of the genre who have portrayed the most exciting film noir women, along with one of the films where they exemplify their unique attributes to the fullest. These movies shouldn't be missed! And if you've already seen them, you'll probably agree that their performances are worth watching again and again.

Claire Trevor -- Born To Kill
Vulnerability mixed with dangerous instincts is a potent aphrodisiac for some.

Joan Crawford -- Sudden Fear
Even when she seems to be in control, there's so much angst in her eyes and her soul.

Ida Lupino -- Road House
Soft and sweet, but tough, with a lot of street smarts.

Rhonda Fleming -- Cry Danger
Ever alluring and oh so smooth, beckoning to some unknown pool of danger.

Barbara Stanwyk -- Double Indemnity
Tough to match her exceptional cleverness, controlled seduction and sharp wits.

Gloria Grahame -- Human Desire
Ultimate sex kitten/sex bomb: saucy, perky and irresistible

Others worth mentioning include Veronica Lake, Ava Gardner , Lauren Bacall and Gail Russell.

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