Lefthistory

Kansas City Confidential (1952) "Kansas City Confidential" is an American film noir crime film released in 1952, directed by Phil Karlson. The plot follows an ex-convict named Joe Rolfe (John Payne), who is framed for a million-dollar armored car robbery he didn't commit. Determined to clear his name, Rolfe tracks down the real culprits, a gang of masked criminals led by a disgruntled former police captain, Tim Foster (Preston Foster). As he infiltrates the gang, Rolfe becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, risking his life to expose the truth and bring the criminals to justice. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

Lenny Bruce - Complete Live Standup (Rare, 1965) This rare footage captures Lenny Bruce's uncensored and provocative stand-up comedy performance in 1965. Known for his controversial humor and social commentary, Bruce tackles taboo subjects such as religion, politics, and sexuality with a sharp wit and biting satire. This full-length performance showcases Bruce's raw talent and fearless approach to comedy, offering a glimpse into the mind of a revolutionary figure who challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of free speech. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

Pitfall (1948) "Pitfall" is an American film noir released in 1948, directed by André De Toth. The plot follows John Forbes, a seemingly content insurance adjuster who becomes infatuated with a femme fatale named Mona Stevens while investigating a claim. Their illicit affair leads to a series of events that threaten to unravel his life, including blackmail, deceit, and violence. As John gets entangled in a web of lies and betrayal, he must face the consequences of his reckless actions and fight to protect his family. The film stars Dick Powell as John Forbes, Lizabeth Scott as Mona Stevens, and Jane Wyatt as Sue Forbes. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

A Blueprint for Murder (1953) "A Blueprint for Murder" is an American film noir thriller released in 1953, directed and written by Andrew L. Stone. The plot revolves around Whitney Cameron (Joseph Cotten), who suspects his sister-in-law, Lynn (Jean Peters), of poisoning his brother and niece to inherit the family fortune. With no concrete evidence and the threat looming over his nephew's life, Cameron grapples with a moral dilemma: should he take drastic measures to protect his nephew or risk being accused of slander and madness? Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

Playboy's Penthouse (1959) - Lenny Bruce Episode "Playboy's Penthouse" was an American variety/talk show hosted by Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, airing in syndication from 1959 to 1961. The show featured a mix of musical performances, interviews, and comedy sketches, often with a focus on jazz music and the Playboy lifestyle. In the debut episode, aired on October 24, 1959, Hugh Hefner hosted the controversial comedian Lenny Bruce as his first guest. Bruce delivered a stand-up comedy routine that was considered risqué and provocative for its time, touching on topics such as religion, politics, and sexuality. This episode is notable for providing a platform for Bruce's unique brand of humor and social commentary, which would later make him a legendary figure in stand-up comedy. It also offers a glimpse into the early days of Playboy magazine and its cultural impact. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

Night Monster (1942) "Night Monster" is an American horror film released in 1942, directed by Ford Beebe. The plot revolves around Dr. Lynn Harper (Lionel Atwill), a paraplegic scientist who invites three doctors to his mansion, blaming them for his condition. He has been secretly studying with a mysterious Eastern mystic named Agar Singh (Bela Lugosi) and plans to use his newfound knowledge to exact revenge. As the doctors begin to die under strange circumstances, the remaining guests must unravel the mystery behind the murders before they become the next victims. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

13, Rue Madeleine (1946) "13 Rue Madeleine" is an American spy film noir released in 1946, directed by Henry Hathaway. The plot follows Bob Sharkey (James Cagney), an American secret agent during World War II, who is assigned to infiltrate a Nazi spy school in Occupied France. His mission: to uncover the identity of a double agent known as "Number 13." The film highlights the dangers and sacrifices of wartime espionage, with suspenseful action sequences and a tense cat-and-mouse game between Sharkey and the Nazi agents. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

Ride the Pink Horse (1947) "Ride the Pink Horse" is an American film noir crime film released in 1947, directed by and starring Robert Montgomery. The plot follows Lucky Gagin (Robert Montgomery), a World War II veteran who arrives in a small New Mexico town during a fiesta to confront a ruthless gangster, Frank Hugo (Fred Clark), who he believes is responsible for his friend's death. Gagin's plans for revenge become complicated as he navigates the town's seedy underbelly and encounters a variety of characters, including Pila (Wanda Hendrix), a young Native American woman who becomes his unlikely ally. The film is notable for its unique setting, its exploration of moral ambiguity, and its strong performances, particularly Thomas Gomez as Pancho, a friendly yet mysterious character who aids Gagin. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

Convict's Code (1939) "Convict's Code" is a 1939 American crime drama film directed by Lambert Hillyer. The plot follows Dave Tyler, a college football star who is wrongly convicted of a crime and sent to prison. After serving three years, he is released on parole and sets out to clear his name and expose the real criminals. However, his investigation leads him into a dangerous world of deceit and betrayal, where he must fight for his life and freedom. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

The Hoodlum (1951) "The Hoodlum" is an American film noir crime film released in 1951, directed by Max Nosseck. The film stars Lawrence Tierney as Vincent "Vince" Lubeck, a hardened criminal who is released on parole but quickly returns to his old ways. Despite the pleas of his family, Vince becomes involved in a bank robbery scheme, leading to tragic consequences for those around him. The film offers a bleak and unflinching portrayal of the criminal underworld and the destructive nature of Vince's choices. Lawrence Tierney delivers a powerful performance as the charismatic yet deeply flawed protagonist, capturing the essence of a man trapped in a cycle of crime and self-destruction. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

Five Minutes to Live (1961) "Five Minutes to Live" (also known as "Door-to-Door Maniac") is an American neo-noir crime film released in 1961, directed by Bill Karn. The film stars Johnny Cash, who also wrote and sang the title song, as Johnny Cabot, a ruthless criminal who, along with his accomplice, Fred Dorella (Vic Tayback), kidnaps the wife of a bank manager and holds her hostage while demanding a ransom. The plot unfolds in real-time, as the suspense builds and the police race against the clock to save the hostage's life. The film explores themes of greed, desperation, and the consequences of violence. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

Leave Her to Heaven (1945) "Leave Her to Heaven" is an American psychological thriller film noir released in 1945, directed by John M. Stahl. The plot follows Ellen Berent (Gene Tierney), a beautiful but possessive socialite who marries novelist Richard Harland (Cornel Wilde). Ellen's obsessive love for Richard leads her to extreme and dangerous lengths to eliminate anyone she perceives as a threat to their relationship, including her own family members. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946) "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers" is an American film noir drama released in 1946, directed by Lewis Milestone. The plot revolves around three childhood friends – Martha Ivers (Barbara Stanwyck), Sam Masterson (Van Heflin), and Walter O'Neil (Kirk Douglas in his film debut) – who share a dark secret from their past. Years later, their paths cross again in Iverstown, a town dominated by Martha and her powerful husband, Walter. Sam's return triggers a series of events that expose long-buried secrets and lead to a tragic confrontation. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

Please Murder Me (1956) "Please Murder Me" is an American film noir thriller released in 1956, directed by Peter Godfrey. The plot follows Craig Carlson (Raymond Burr), a lawyer who successfully defends his client Myra Leeds (Angela Lansbury) on a murder charge. After her acquittal, Myra reveals that she did, in fact, commit the crime. Consumed by guilt, Carlson hatches a plan to make Myra kill him and get caught, ensuring that justice is ultimately served. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original contentbelong to the copyright holders.

Woman on the Run (1950) "Woman on the Run" is an American film noir thriller released in 1950, directed by Norman Foster. The plot follows Eleanor Johnson (Ann Sheridan), a disillusioned wife whose husband, Frank (Ross Elliott), witnesses a gangland murder and goes into hiding, fearing for his life. While the police relentlessly pursue Frank, believing him to be a suspect, Eleanor embarks on her own desperate search to find him, aided by a cynical reporter, Danny Legget (Dennis O'Keefe). As they navigate the shadowy underbelly of San Francisco, Eleanor's perception of her husband changes, and she must confront the truth about their troubled marriage. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

The Reckless Moment (1949) "The Reckless Moment" is an American film noir melodrama released in 1949, directed by Max Ophüls. The plot follows Lucia Harper (Joan Bennett), a devoted housewife who discovers her teenage daughter's entanglement with a dangerous older man. When the man is accidentally killed on their property, Lucia takes desperate measures to protect her family from scandal, leading her down a path of deceit and moral compromise. The film stars James Mason as Martin Donnelly, the man who discovers Lucia's secret and becomes unexpectedly involved in her life. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

"Ascenseur pour l'échafaud" (known as "Elevator to the Gallows" in the United States) is a French crime thriller film released in 1958, directed by Louis Malle. The plot follows Julien Tavernier (Maurice Ronet), who meticulously plans and executes the murder of his lover's husband. However, his plan begins to unravel when he becomes trapped in an elevator due to a power outage, leaving him unable to establish an alibi. Meanwhile, a young couple steals his car, leading to further complications and a series of unforeseen events. The film is notable for its innovative use of location shooting, handheld camera work, and improvisational acting, which contributed to the emergence of the French New Wave cinema movement. The haunting jazz score composed by Miles Davis further enhances the film's atmosphere of suspense and impending doom. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

Ace in the Hole (1951) "Ace in the Hole" (also known as "The Big Carnival") is an American film noir drama released in 1951, written, produced, and directed by Billy Wilder. The film stars Kirk Douglas as Chuck Tatum, a cynical and disgraced reporter who exploits a story about a man trapped in a cave to revitalize his career. As Tatum manipulates the situation to generate sensational headlines and prolong the rescue effort, the story quickly escalates into a media circus with tragic consequences. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

The Kennel Murder Case (1933) "The Kennel Murder Case" is an American pre-Code mystery film released in 1933, directed by Michael Curtiz. The plot follows the astute detective Philo Vance as he investigates the murder of Archer Coe, a wealthy dog breeder found dead in his locked bedroom. With the help of his loyal Scottish terrier and a colorful cast of suspects, Vance uncovers a web of family secrets, rivalries, and hidden motives as he races to identify the killer. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

The Lady from Shanghai (1947) "The Lady from Shanghai" is an American film noir thriller released in 1947, produced and directed by Orson Welles. The plot follows Michael O'Hara (Orson Welles), an Irish sailor who becomes entangled in a complex murder plot after falling for the seductive Elsa Bannister (Rita Hayworth), the wife of a powerful lawyer, Arthur Bannister (Everett Sloane). As they embark on a yachting voyage with a group of eccentric characters, tensions rise, and suspicions grow, leading to a shocking climax in a hall of mirrors. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

Dead Reckoning (1947) "Dead Reckoning" is an American film noir thriller released in 1947, directed by John Cromwell. The plot follows Captain "Rip" Murdock (Humphrey Bogart), a war hero who sets out to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of his friend, Johnny Drake (William Prince). During his investigation, Rip encounters the alluring Coral "Dusty" Chandler (Lizabeth Scott), who becomes entangled in the mystery and may hold the key to unraveling the truth. As Rip delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit, betrayal, and dangerous secrets that put his life at risk. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

Kansas City Confidential (1952) "Kansas City Confidential" is an American film noir crime film released in 1952, directed by Phil Karlson. The plot revolves around an ex-convict named Joe Rolfe (John Payne), who is framed for a million-dollar armored car robbery he didn't commit. Determined to clear his name, Rolfe tracks down the real culprits, a gang of masked criminals led by a disgruntled former police captain, Tim Foster (Preston Foster). As he infiltrates the gang, Rolfe becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, risking his life to expose the truth and bring the criminals to justice. The film is known for its suspenseful plot, gritty atmosphere, and strong performances from the cast, particularly John Payne as the determined and resourceful protagonist. It is considered a classic of the film noir genre. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

Winchester '73 (1950) "Winchester '73" is an American Western film released in 1950, directed by Anthony Mann. The plot revolves around a prized Winchester Model 1873 rifle, which is won by Lin McAdam (James Stewart) in a shooting contest. The rifle is subsequently stolen by Dutch Henry Brown (Stephen McNally), a notorious outlaw and McAdam's sworn enemy. The film follows the rifle's journey as it passes through the hands of various individuals, each with their own motivations and struggles. Meanwhile, McAdam relentlessly pursues Dutch Henry, seeking revenge for a past wrong and reclaiming the prized rifle. The film features an ensemble cast, including Shelley Winters, Dan Duryea, and Rock Hudson in his film debut. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

Naked Alibi (1954) "Naked Alibi" is an American film noir crime film released in 1954, directed by Jerry Hopper. The plot follows Chief of Detectives Joe Conroy (Sterling Hayden), who becomes obsessed with proving the guilt of a hot-headed baker named Al Willis (Gene Barry) in the murder of a fellow police officer. Even after being fired from the force, Conroy relentlessly pursues Willis, enlisting the help of Willis's girlfriend, Marianna (Gloria Grahame), to bring him to justice. The film explores themes of obsession, vengeance, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.

The Glass Key (1942) "The Glass Key" is an American film noir released in 1942, directed by Stuart Heisler. The plot revolves around a crooked politician, Paul Madvig (Brian Donlevy), who finds himself entangled in a web of murder, blackmail, and political intrigue. As he tries to protect his candidate for governor and navigate the treacherous landscape of urban corruption, he relies on his loyal friend, Ed Beaumont (Alan Ladd), to help him solve the mystery and outsmart his ruthless opponents. The film also stars Veronica Lake as Janet Henry, the daughter of the reform candidate. "The Glass Key" is a classic film noir with a complex and suspenseful plot, filled with twists and turns. It explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the dark side of politics. Uploaded for archival reasons only. All rights to the original content belong to the copyright holders.