Louisa May Alcott, on books:

...and best of all, the wilderness of books, in which she could wander, where she liked, made the library a region of bliss to her.

- Louisa May Alcott.

Recommended reading - The Philosophy of Film Noir

 

The Philosophy of Film Noir

Edited by Mark T. Conard.
Foreword by Robert Porfirio.
 
Published by University Press of Kentucky.
First published 2005.
Paperback.

ASIN: 0813191815
ISBN-10: 9780813191812
ISBN-13: 978-0813191812
 
Description:
 

A drifter with no name and no past, driven purely by desire, is convinced by a beautiful woman to murder her husband. A hard-drinking detective down on his luck becomes involved with a gang of criminals in pursuit of a priceless artifact. The stories are at once romantic, pessimistic, filled with anxiety and a sense of alienation, and they define the essence of film noir. Noir emerged as a prominent American film genre in the early 1940s, distinguishable by its use of unusual lighting, sinister plots, mysterious characters, and dark themes. From The Maltese Falcon (1941) to Touch of Evil (1958), films from this classic period reflect an atmosphere of corruption and social decay that attracted such accomplished directors as John Huston, Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder, and Orson Welles. The Philosophy of Film Noir is the first volume to focus exclusively on the philosophical underpinnings of these iconic films. Drawing on the work of diverse thinkers, from the French existentialist Albert Camus to the Frankurt school theorists Max Horkheimer and Theodor Adorno, the volume connects film noir to the philosophical questions of a modern, often nihilistic, world. Opening with an examination of what constitutes noir cinema, the book interprets the philosophical elements consistently present in the films―themes such as moral ambiguity, reason versus passion, and pessimism. The contributors to the volume also argue that the essence and elements of noir have fundamentally influenced movies outside of the traditional noir period. Neo-noir films such as Pulp Fiction (1994), Fight Club (1999), and Memento (2000) have reintroduced the genre to a contemporary audience. As they assess the concepts present in individual films, the contributors also illuminate and explore the philosophical themes that surface in popular culture. A close examination of one of the most significant artistic movements of the twentieth century, The Philosophy of Film Noir reinvigorates an intellectual discussion at the intersection of popular culture and philosophy.

 

"A satisfying book, as each of the authors brings a unique perspective to the discussion and they are able to isolate, identify, and explain some of the more subtle aspects of a genre which, on the surface, seems all about gangsters and pretty girls who done somebody wrong." – Blogcritics.
 
"Explores the philosophical underpinnings of movies from the classical noir period and . . . suggests that films aren't noir merely because they share a consistent tone, or certain visual conventions, with the likes of The Maltese Falcon, The Postman Always Rings Twice, and Double Indemnity." – Boston Globe.
 
"The essays work both as solid primers into philosophy, stretching from Aristotle to Schopenhauer, and as lucid excursions into the genre's dark, mean streets. . . . A fascinating, readable, and provocative book. . . . Highly recommended." – Choice.
 
"An intellectually seductive, hard-boiled romp through a world of moral murkiness, femme fatales, and desperately lonely protagonist." – Eric Bronson, editor of Baseball and Philosophy.
 
"The collection aims to achieve two goals: to introduce genuine philosophical problems and film noir characteristics, while providing sufficiently in-depth discussion that those familiar with either philosophical methods or film noir will not find the material too elementary. Although facing a difficult task, Conard has put together a collection that succeeds in both respects." – Intertexts.
 
"Dense and intriguing, the book suggests noir is best perceived as a slightly warped mirror held up to contemporary society." – Publishers Weekly.
 
"An excellent book, giving readers a very good sense of the rich philosophical resources in film noir." – Thomas Hibbs, author of Shows About Nothing.
 
"This collection of essays, delving into the films and elucidating their philosophical depths, is challenging and engaging. Read it and prepare to be provoked." – Les Reid, Philosophy Now.

Born on this day – Harry Tenbrook:

Harry Tenbrook

Actor

October 9, 1887 – September 4, 1960

Credits:

North to Alaska (1960); Inherit the Wind (1960); Please Don’t Eat the Daisies (1960); The Last Hurrah (1958); Hot Summer Night (1957); The Rainmaker (1956); Blazing the Overland Trail (1956); Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956); The Spoilers (1955); It’s a Dog’s Life (1955); Mister Roberts (1955); Man Without a Star (1955); The Long Gray Line (1955); Destry (1954); The Far Country (1954); Hell and High Water (1954); Calamity Jane (1953); South Sea Woman (1953); Pony Express (1953); Pickup on South Street (1953); A Perilous Journey (1953); The Turning Point (1952); O. Henry’s Full House (1952); What Price Glory (1952); Scarlet Angel (1952); Carson City (1952); The Quiet Man (1952); The San Francisco Story (1952); Singin’ in the Rain (1952); The Belle of New York (1952); Lone Star (1952); The Barefoot Mailman (1951); Saturday’s Hero (1951); Iron Man (1951); The Lady and the Bandit (1951); The Big Gusher (1951); Gunplay (1951); I Was a Communist for the F.B.I. (1951); So You Want to Be a Cowboy (1951); Santa Fe (1951); Payment on Demand (1951); Belle Le Grand (1951); California Passage (1950); Frenchie (1950); Devil’s Doorway (1950); The Gunfighter (1950); The Outriders (1950); The Secret Fury (1950); When Willie Comes Marching Home (1950); Groan and Grunt (1950); South Sea Sinner (1950); The Gal Who Took the West (1949); Pinky (1949); Scene of the Crime (1949); Mr. Soft Touch (1949); Special Agent (1949); The Set-Up (1949); El Paso (1949); South of St. Louis (1949); Shockproof (1949); Act of Violence (1948); 3 Godfathers (1948); Kiss the Blood Off My Hands (1948); The Babe Ruth Story (1948); Return of the Bad Men (1948); Easter Parade (1948); Fort Apache (1948); Black Bart (1948); Killer McCoy (1947); That Hagen Girl (1947); Magic Town (1947); The Law Comes to Gunsight (1947); My Brother Talks to Horses (1947); Dangerous Business (1946); Badman’s Territory (1946); The Hoodlum Saint (1946); Renegades (1946); The Kid from Brooklyn (1946); Abilene Town (1946); They Were Expendable (1945); The Lost Weekend (1945); Where the Pest Begins (1945); Belle of the Yukon (1944); Enemy of Women (1944); The Last Ride (1944); Moonlight and Cactus (1944); The Great Moment (1944); Man from Frisco (1944); Once Upon a Time (1944); Oh, Baby! (1944); Sailor’s Holiday (1944); Lucky Cowboy (1944); Marshal of Gunsmoke (1944); Shoe Shine Boy (1943); The Texas Kid (1943); Frontier Law (1943); Government Girl (1943); Gangway for Tomorrow (1943); The Girl from Monterrey (1943); Swing Shift Maisie (1943); Johnny Come Lately (1943); Batman (1943); The Moon Is Down (1943); Two Weeks to Live (1943); Mug Town (1942); The Valley of Vanishing Men (1942); You Can’t Escape Forever (1942); Lucky Legs (1942); Overland Mail (1942); Sabotage Squad (1942); Tarzan’s New York Adventure (1942); In Old California (1942); Perils of the Royal Mounted (1942); A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen (1942); Two Yanks in Trinidad (1942); The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942); The Adventures of Martin Eden (1942); Stagecoach Buckaroo (1942); Woman of the Year (1942); Fly-By-Night (1942); Dick Tracy vs. Crime, Inc. (1941); Fighting Bill Fargo (1941); Holt of the Secret Service (1941); Ellery Queen and the Murder Ring (1941); Among the Living (1941); How Green Was My Valley (1941); Texas (1941); Mystery Ship (1941); Manpower (1941); Rawhide Rangers (1941); Billy the Kid (1941); The Big Boss (1941); The Lady from Cheyenne (1941); The Penalty (1941); Meet the Chump (1941); White Eagle (1941); Come Live with Me (1941); Chad Hanna (1940); The Devil’s Pipeline (1940); The Green Archer (1940); The Long Voyage Home (1940); Glamour for Sale (1940); Ragtime Cowboy Joe (1940); Dance, Girl, Dance (1940); Winners of the West (1940); Johnny Apollo (1940); Black Friday (1940); I Take This Woman (1940); The Grapes of Wrath (1940); The Green Hornet (1940); The Shadow (1940); Swanee River (1939); Destry Rides Again (1939); Chip of the Flying U (1939); The Marshal of Mesa City (1939); Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939); Oklahoma Frontier (1939); Blackmail (1939); Our Leading Citizen (1939); Daughter of the Tong (1939); Each Dawn I Die (1939); The Oregon Trail (1939); Help Wanted (1939); 6,000 Enemies (1939); The Gracie Allen Murder Case (1939); Young Mr. Lincoln (1939); Mandrake, the Magician (1939); The Lady’s from Kentucky (1939); Hotel Imperial (1939); The Lady and the Mob (1939); I’m from Missouri (1939); Society Lawyer (1939); The Oklahoma Kid (1939); Let Freedom Ring (1939); Stagecoach (1939); Flying G-Men (1939); Hawk of the Wilderness (1938); Submarine Patrol (1938); The Spider’s Web (1938); Dick Tracy Returns (1938); Block-Heads (1938); Racket Busters (1938); Professor Beware (1938); You and Me (1938); Kidnapped (1938); Crime School (1938); Rawhide (1938); Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife (1938); He Couldn’t Say No (1938); A Slight Case of Murder (1938); The Ship That Died (1938); Little Miss Roughneck (1938); The Jury’s Secret (1938); Hawaiian Buckaroo (1938); In Old Chicago (1938); You’re a Sweetheart (1937); Stand-In (1937); Music for Madame (1937); Radio Patrol (1937); Sophie Lang Goes West (1937); Souls at Sea (1937); The Rangers Step In (1937); The Big Shot (1937); Think Fast, Mr. Moto (1937); Wee Willie Winkie (1937); Sing and Be Happy (1937); Meet the Missus (1937); The Grand Bounce (1937); Behind the Headlines (1937); Back to the Woods (1937); 23 1/2 Hours Leave (1937); Midnight Court (1937); Hit the Saddle (1937); Bars and Stripes (1937); Sea Devils (1937); Girl Overboard (1937); Man of the People (1937); Jail Bait (1937); Three Little Pigskins (1934); The Plough and the Stars (1936); Free Rent (1936); Roarin’ Lead (1936); Come and Get It (1936); Ghost-Town Gold (1936); The Magnificent Brute (1936); The Sea Spoilers (1936); Great Guy (1936); Women Are Trouble (1936); Mary of Scotland (1936); Mister Smarty (1936); High Tension (1936); Kelly the Second (1936); Trapped by Television (1936); F-Man (1936); Panic on the Air (1936); Too Many Parents (1936); Movie Maniacs (1936); You May Be Next! (1936); Tough Guy (1936); The Lone Wolf Returns (1935); I Don’t Remember (1935); The Littlest Rebel (1935); Man of Iron (1935); Millions in the Air (1935); Frisco Kid (1935); One-Way Ticket (1935); Barbary Coast (1935); Two Fisted (1935); Thunder Mountain (1935); O’Shaughnessy’s Boy (1935); Dante’s Inferno (1935); The Daring Young Man (1935); The Roaring West (1935); Stranded (1935); Murder in the Fleet (1935); The Informer (1935); $10 Raise (1935); Vagabond Lady (1935); Strangers All (1935); Black Fury (1935); Naughty Marietta (1935); Mutiny Ahead (1935); The Whole Town’s Talking (1935); Rustlers of Red Dog (1935); Behind the Evidence (1935); The Best Man Wins (1935); The Gay Bride (1934); Kid Millions (1934); The St. Louis Kid (1934); Counsel on De Fence (1934); Against the Law (1934); The Captain Hates the Sea (1934); Lady by Choice (1934); Young and Beautiful (1934); Judge Priest (1934); The Count of Monte Cristo (1934); Beyond the Law (1934); The Cat’s-Paw (1934); Friends of Mr. Sweeney (1934); Here Comes the Navy (1934); Blind Date (1934); The World Moves On (1934); The Hell Cat (1934); The Thin Man (1934); The Line-Up (1934); Looking for Trouble (1934); Come On, Marines! (1934); The Countess of Monte Cristo (1934); Lazy River (1934); Gambling Lady (1934); School for Romance (1934); Pirate Treasure (1934); Palooka (1934); Fugitive Lovers (1934); Son of Kong (1933); Lady Killer (1933); The Bowery (1933); The Wolf Dog (1933); Penthouse (1933); Lady for a Day (1933); Skyway (1933); Gordon of Ghost City (1933); Baby Face (1933); Pilgrimage (1933); The Woman I Stole (1933); The Silk Express (1933); Song of the Eagle (1933); Picture Snatcher (1933); The Cohens and Kellys in Trouble (1933); The Little Giant (1933); King Kong (1933); Grand Slam (1933); What-No Beer? (1933); Terror Trail (1933); Born to Fight (1932); 20,000 Years in Sing Sing (1932); The Lost Special (1932); A Strange Adventure (1932); Afraid to Talk (1932); Speed Demon (1932); Air Mail (1932); Scarlet Dawn (1932); The Fourth Horseman (1932); Come on Danger! (1932); Speak Easily (1932); The Thirteenth Guest (1932); Make Me a Star (1932); Heroes of the West (1932); The Rider of Death Valley (1932); Destry Rides Again (1932); Scarface (1932); The Wet Parade (1932); Shopworn (1932); Behind the Mask (1932); Fireman, Save My Child! (1932); The Greeks Had a Word for Them (1932); Panama Flo (1932); Dance Team (1932); Taxi (1931); Battling with Buffalo Bill (1931); Suicide Fleet (1931); The Yellow Ticket (1931); The Star Witness (1931); Goldie (1931); Young Donovan’s Kid (1931); City Streets (1931); No Privacy (1931); Not Exactly Gentlemen (1931); Gentleman’s Fate (1931); The Seas Beneath (1931); Remote Control (1930); The Sea Wolf (1930); The Last of the Duanes (1930); On the Level (1930); Born Reckless (1930); The Runaway Bride (1930); Double Cross Roads (1930); Alias French Gertie (1930); Trailing Trouble (1930); Men Without Women (1930); Dance Hall (1929); The Mysterious Island (1929); Salute (1929); Marianne (1929); Eyes of the Underworld (1929); The Shakedown (1929); Seven Footprints to Satan (1929); Danger Street (1928); The Fight Pest (1928); The Play Girl (1928); The Smart Set (1928); Four Sons (1928); So This Is Love (1928); Sharp Shooters (1928); Coney Island (1928); Speedy Smith (1927); The Outlaw Dog (1927); Thunderbolt’s Tracks (1927); A One Mama Man (1927); Set Free (1927); There Ain’t No Santa Claus (1926); The Blue Eagle (1926); Don Juan (1926); Mistaken Orders (1926); The Flying Fool (1925); The Silent Guardian (1925); Lord Jim (1925); His People (1925); Manhattan Madness (1925); The Texas Terror (1925); The Burning Trail (1925); The Phantom of the Opera (1925); Capital Punishment (1925); The Measure of a Man (1924); The Danger Rider (1924); Swing Bad the Sailor (1924); Kindled Courage (1923); The Third Alarm (1923); Sky High (1922); The Idle Class (1921); The Money Changers (1920); The Fightin’ Terror (1920); The Honey Bee (1920); Thieves’ Gold (1918); The Scarlet Car (1917); Saving the Fast Mail (1917); The Measure of Leon Du Bray (1915); The Black Box (1915); Kid Regan’s Hands (1914); Me, Him, and I (1914); The Thumb Print (1913); A Wrong Road (1913); A Frontier Providence (1913); An Indian Outcast (1912); A Daughter of the Redskins (1912); The Obligation (1912); The Undoing of Slim Bill (1912); The Hand of Mystery (1912); The Land of Might (1912); The Counting of Time (1912); The Everlasting Judy (1912); The Parson and the Bully (1911); Roped and Tied (1911).

Born on this day – Irving Cummings:

Irving Cummings

Actor

Director

Writer

October 9, 1888 – April 18, 1959

Credits:

Double Dynamite (1951); The Dolly Sisters (1945); The Impatient Years (1944); What a Woman! (1943); Sweet Rosie O'Grady (1943); Springtime in the Rockies (1942); My Gal Sal (1942); Louisiana Purchase (1941); Belle Starr (1941); The Devil and Miss Jones (1941); That Night in Rio (1941); Down Argentine Way (1940); Lillian Russell (1940); Everything Happens at Night (1939); Hollywood Cavalcade (1939); The Story of Alexander Graham Bell (1939); Jesse James (1939); Just Around the Corner (1938); Little Miss Broadway (1938); Merry-Go-Round of 1938 (1937); Vogues of 1938 (1937); White Hunter (1936); Girls' Dormitory (1936); Poor Little Rich Girl (1936); Curly Top (1935); It's a Small World (1935); The White Parade (1934); Grand Canary (1934); I Believed in You (1934); The Mad Game (1933); The Woman I Stole (1933); Man Hunt (1933); Man Against Woman (1932); The Night Club Lady (1932); Attorney for the Defense (1932); The Cisco Kid (1931); A Holy Terror (1931); A Devil with Women (1930); On the Level (1930); Cameo Kirby (1930); Behind That Curtain (1929); Not Quite Decent (1929); In Old Arizona (1928); Romance of the Underworld (1928); The Port of Missing Girls (1928); Dressed to Kill (1928); Life in Hollywood No. 4 (1927); The Brute (1927); Bertha, the Sewing Machine Girl (1926); The Country Beyond (1926); The Midnight Kiss (1926); Rustling for Cupid (1926); The Johnstown Flood (1926); Infatuation (1925); The Desert Flower (1925); Just a Woman (1925); One Year to Live (1925); As Man Desires (1925); The Rose of Paris (1924); In Every Woman's Life (1924); Riders Up (1924); The Dancing Cheat (1924); Stolen Secrets (1924); Fools Highway (1924); Broken Hearts of Broadway (1923); East Side - West Side (1923); The Drug Traffic (1923); Rupert of Hentzau (1923); Environment (1922); The Jilt (1922); Broad Daylight (1922); Paid Back (1922); Environment (1922); The Eternal Flame (1922); Flesh and Blood (1922); The Man from Hell's River (1922); The Avenger (1922); Don't Get Personal (1922); Campbell of the Mounted (1922); Valley of the Missing (1922); Jules of the River (1922); Trapped (1922); The False Trail (1921); The Blasphemer (1921); Cameron of the Royal Mounted (1921); The Rope's End (1921); Corporal Jim's Ward (1921); Patsy's Jim (1921); Tricked (1921); On the Trail (1921); Beautifully Trimmed (1920); Old Dad (1920); The Round-up (1920); The Saphead (1920); Harriet and the Piper (1920); The Ladder of Lies (1920); Sex (1920); The Tree of Knowledge (1920); The 13th Commandment (1920); Everywoman (1919); What Every Woman Learns (1919); The Greater Sinner (1919); The Better Wife (1919); Secret Service (1919); Men, Women, and Money (1919); Some Bride (1919); The Scar (1919); Her Code of Honor (1919); The Unveiling Hand (1919); Mandarin's Gold (1919); Don't Change Your Husband (1919); The Bluffer (1919); Auction of Souls (1919); The Woman Who Gave (1918); Merely Players (1918); The Heart of a Girl (1918); The Interloper (1918); Toys of Fate (1918); The Struggle Everlasting (1918); The Debt of Honor (1918); An American Widow (1917); A Man's Law (1917); Rasputin, the Black Monk (1917); Wrath of Love (1917); A Royal Romance (1917); The Whip (1917); Sister Against Sister (1917); The Hidden Scar (1916); The Gilded Cage (1916); The World's Great Snare (1916); The Feud Girl (1916); The Saleslady (1916); His Brother's Debt (1915); The Derelict (1915); The Haunting Memory (1915); A Polar Romance (1915); The Lure of the Mask (1915); Dreams Realized (1915); The Diamond from the Sky (1915); The Once Over (1915); The First Stone (1915); When the Fire Bell Rang (1915); In the Mansion of Loneliness (1915); The Doctor's Strategy (1915); The Haunting Memory (1915); The Happier Man (1915); The Three of Us (1914); Over the Ledge (1914); The Diamond of Disaster (1914); The Varsity Race (1914); Conscience (1914); The Last Volunteer (1914); The Messenger of Death (1914); The Leaven of Good (1914); For Her Child (1914); The Million Dollar Mystery (1914); The Man Without Fear (1914); From the Shadows (1914); Pamela Congreve (1914); The Dawn of Romance (1914); A Leech of Industry (1914); Broken Lives (1914); Jane Eyre (1914); In the Mesh of Her Hair (1914); A Sword of Damocles (1914); The Resurrection (1914); The Finger of Fate (1913); The Missing Ring (1913); The Stolen Woman (1913); The Glow Worm (1913); Success (1913); The Fight for Right (1913); The Higher Justice (1913); A Hospital Romance (1913); Her Rosary (1913); Ashes (1913); The Tangled Web (1913); The Madcap of the Hills (1913); Italian Love (1913); The Master Cracksman (1913); London Assurance (1913); The Big Boss (1913); A Cruel Suspicion (1913); The Good Within (1913); The Bawlerout (1913); Held for Ransom (1913); For Love of Columbine (1913); The Grey Sentinel (1913); The Woman Who Knew (1913); The Judge's Vindication (1913); The Vengeance of Heaven (1913); The Man from Outside (1913); The Birthday Cake (1913); The Bells (1913); The Strike Leader (1913); The Marked Card (1913); The Open Road (1913); Duty and the Man (1913); The Fires of Conscience (1912); The Old Mam'selle's Secret (1912); The Brother of the Bat (1912); Don César de Bazan (1912); The Faith Healer (1912); Men Who Dare (1912); The Peddler's Find (1912); Guy Mannering (1912); Caleb West (1912); Thelma (1912); The Poisoners (1912); The Gypsy Bride (1912); Sisters (1912); Camille (1912); Mrs. Alden's Awakening (1912); The Life of Buffalo Bill (1912); For Home and Honor (1912); Revolution in a Bachelors' Club (1911); At the Window (1911); The Maid of Niagara (1910); His Yankee Girl (1910).

Born on this day – Renée Devillers:

Renée Devillers

Actress

October 9, 1902 – August 5, 2000

Credits:

Au théâtre ce soir (1968); Les temps difficiles (1966); Barberine (1965); Les femmes savantes (1964); Therese (1962); Climats (1962); Plaisir du théâtre (1958–1960); Secret professionnel (1959); Notre petite ville (1959); La Confession (1959); Si c'était vous? (1958); C'était un gentleman (1957); Fernand clochard (1957); Miss Nitouche (1954); Royal Affairs in Versailles (1954); The Immature Grain (1954); L'appel du destin (1953); French Touch (1952); Perfectionist (1951); Cartouche, roi de Paris (1950); Le droit de l'enfant (1949); The Lame Devil (1948); Monelle (1948); The Last Vacation (1948); Fausse identité (1947); Roger la Honte (1946); Lunegarde (1946); The Heart of a Nation (1943); The Blue Veil (1942); Les affaires sont les affaires (1942); La femme que j'ai le plus aimée (1942); I Accuse (1938); L'appel de la vie (1937); L'homme du jour (1937); Le billet de mille (1935); Ma femme... homme d'affaires (1932); The Sweetness of Loving (1930); L'affaire du train 24 (1921).

Born on this day – Danièle Delorme:

Danièle Delorme

Actress

Producer

October 9, 1926 – October 17, 2015

Credits:

100 films par 100 personnalités (1999); À corps perdu (1970); À l'abri des regards indiscrets (2002); Absences répétées (1972); Adieux de Tabarin (1966); Agnès de rien (1950); Aller et retour (1948); Allons au cinéma (1976); Antenne 2 Midi (1980); Au-delà de l'écran (1964); Aujourd'hui magazine (1977); Avant-premières (2011); Bal perdu (1990); Bébert et l'omnibus (1963); Bed for Two (1950); Belle (1973); Camarades (1970); Cannes Film Festival (1988); Chaque jour a son secret (1958); Cinépanorama (1964); Cinéphiles de notre temps (2012); Cleo from 5 to 7 (1962); Croisière pour l'inconnu (1948); Deadlier Than the Male (1956); Des Christs par milliers (1969); Et ça vous fait rire? (2024); Femmes de Paris (1953); Fill 'er Up with Super (1976); Fréquence meurtre (1988); Gala de l'union (1959); Gigi (1949); Henry Moore (1983); Himalaya (1999); Hoa Binh (1970); House of Ricordi (1954); Impasse des deux anges (1948); Jean Genet: Entretien avec Bertrand Poirot-Delpech (1982); Joris Ivens (1983); Journeys Through French Cinema (2017); Joyeux Noel (2005); Just Like Brothers (2012); La barricade du Point du Jour (1978); La belle aventure (1942); La cage aux filles (1949); La communale (1965); La côte d'amour (1982); La grande dune (1990); La joie de vivre (1953); La marche du siècle (1988); La naissance du Grand Blond (2005); La nuit des César (1976); La vie sans secret de Walter Nions (2001); L'affaire Saint-Romans (1988); L'ami Giono (1990); L'amour, Madame (1952); Le capitan (1946); Le cauchemar de l'aube (1973); Le cercle de minuit (1994); Le dernier des cinq (1973); Le dossier noir (1955); Le Grand Amour (1969); Le grand échiquier (1980); Le guérisseur (1953); Le pèlerinage (1964); Le plus ancien visage (1966); Le roi du Luxembourg (1967); Le roman du samedi (1980); Le temps du rossignol (1971); Le voyage en Brésil (1950); Les 40 ans de la 2 (2004); Les amants (1963); Les Copains (1965); Les dents longues (1953); Les eaux dormantes (1992); Les échos du cinéma (1961); Les J3 (1945); Les jeux sont faits (1947); Les joies de la vie (1958); Les Misérables (1958); Les nouveaux rendez-vous (1980); Les Nuits de France Culture (2017); Les petites du quai aux fleurs (1944); L'été 36 (1986); Lost Souvenirs (1950); Lunegarde (1946); Madame le proviseur (1994); Maison de poupée (1954); Mara (1953); Marcel Aymé, l'art de la litote (2011); Mardi cinéma (1982); Marie Soleil (1964); Martin et Léa (1979); Midi Trente (1973); Mikis Theodorakis (1982); Minne (1950); Miquette (1950); Mitsou (1956); Mon Faust (1970); Monsieur Cinéma (1968); Nathalie Sarraute, écrivain des mouvements intérieurs (1984); Ni vu, ni connu (1958); No Exit (1954); November Moon (1985); Ô saisons ô chateaux (1958); Olivia (1951); On n'a pas tout dit (2008); Oscar Niemeyer (1982); Ouvert pour cause d'inventaire (1946); Pardon Mon Affaire (1976); Pardon Mon Affaire, Too! (1977); Philippe Soupault (1982); Philippe Soupault et le surréalisme, tome 2 (1982); Philippe Soupault et le surréalisme, tome 3 (1982); Pierre Richard, l'art du déséquilibre (2005); Plaisir du théâtre (1983); Pour le cinéma (1969); Prisons de femmes (1958); Qu'est-ce qui fait courir David? (1982); Revenge at Daybreak (1952); Royal Affairs in Versailles (1954); Sale rêveur (1978); Soleil éteint (1958); Sortez des rangs (1996); Souvenirs des collines (2007); Spécial cinéma (1982); Studio Gabriel (1994); The Anatomy of Love (1954); The Crook (1970); The Crying Woman (1979); The Fiancés of the Bridge Mac Donald (1961); The Gilded Cage (2013); The Hunted (1972); The Hussy (1979); The Prodigal Daughter (1981); The Seventh Juror (1962); Tu ne m'échapperas jamais (1955); Twilight (1944); Un étrange voyage (1981); Un gosse de la butte (1964); Un jour, un destin (2011); Une approche d'Alain Resnais, révolutionnaire discret (1980); Une femme dans la ville (1979); UV (2007); Vacances au purgatoire (1992); Vedettes en liberté (1949); Vedettes sans maquillage (1951); Venom and Eternity (1951); Very Happy Alexander (1968); Vivement dimanche (1999); War of the Buttons (1962); Winged Migration (2001); Without Leaving an Address (1951); Yves Robert: le cinéma entre copains (2020).

Born on this day – Judy Tyler:

 

Judy Tyler

Actress

Singer

October 9, 1932 – July 3, 1957

Credits:

Bop Girl Goes Calypso (1957); Elvis: #1 Hit Performances (2007); Hollywood Preview (1956); It's Howdy Doody Time (1987); Jailhouse Rock (1957); Perry Mason (1957); Presley (1987); Sid Caesar Presents Comedy Preview (1955); Stump the Stars (1956); Television: The First Fifty Years (1999); The Ed Sullivan Show (1955–1956); The Elgin Hour (1955); The Howdy Doody Show (1950–1953); The Scene That Stole Jailhouse Rock (2007); The Tonight Show (1955); There's Only One Elvis (2002); Your Show of Shows / Caesar's Hour (1955).

Born on this day – Johnnie Bassett:

Johnnie Bassett

Blues singer

Guitarist

Songwriter

October 9, 1935 – August 4, 2012

Credits:

Albums:

Bassett Hound (1997); Cadillac Blues (1998); I Can Make That Happen (2012); I Gave My Life to the Blues (1997); Live at the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival (1994); Party My Blues Away (1999); The Gentleman Is Back (2009).

Born on this day – Nicole Croisille:

 

Nicole Croisille

Singer

Actress

October 9, 1936 – June 4, 2025

Credits:
 
Albums:

13 jours en France (Bande originale du film) (2008 Remastered Version) (1968); A Man And A Woman (Un Homme Et Une Femme) (1966); Arc-en-ciel (2014); Ca tourne rond (2013); Ça tourne rond (Mono Version) (1961); C'est ma vie (2024 Remastered version) (1978); Croisille (1981); Femme... (2023 Remastered Version) (1975); Femme… (1975); Il était une fois... Nicole (2015); Jazzille (1987); La femme et l'enfant (1977); Le Meilleur de Nicole Croisille (1996); Les idoles des années 60: Nicole Croisille, Vol. 1 (2017); Les Plus Grands Succès de Nicole Croisille (1989); Nicole Croisille - Vintage Selection (2021); Nicole croisille avec jerry van rooyen et son orchestra (2020); Nougaro, Le Jazz Et Moi (2006); Olympia 76 (Live) (1976); Partir (2023 Remastered Version) (2023); Ses plus belles chansons (1988); Si l'on pouvait choisir sa vie (1976).

Songs:

Aujourd'hui c'est toi; Contigo fui mujer; Convalescente; Dansez pour moi; Emma; I'll Never Leave You; J’ai besoin de toi, j’ai besoin de lui; J'aurai Voulu Etre un Artiste; J'aurais voulu être un artiste; Je n'ai pas dit mon dernier mot d'amour; Je ne suis que de l’amour; Je t’aimais; Killy; La Chanson; La femme et l'enfant; La Garonne; L'amour est plus fort que nous; Les plus belles années d'une vie; Mon arc en ciel; Parlez-moi de lui; Plus fort que nous; Quand nous n’aurons que la tendresse; Qui me dira; Rio et Venise; Téléphone-moi; Un Homme Et Une Femme; Un homme et une femme: Plus fort que les mots; Une femme avec toi; Vivre pour vivre; Where Did Our Summers Go; Woman in Your Arms.

Movies and television:

12h45 (2015); 30 millions d'amis (1978); 300 choeurs pour + de vie (2014–2019); 40 degrés à l'ombre de la 3 (1989–1991); 75 artistes pour les enfants du Liban: Liban (1989); À bout portant (1977); A Man and a Woman (1966); A tout Coeur (1982); Amanda (2017); Avis de recherche (1981–1990); Azertyuiop ou les aventures de deux naïfs (1968); Bolero (1981); Bonsoir (1962); Boulevard Bouvard (1988); Bouvard en liberté (1975); Burbujas (1969); C à vous (2011–2018); Cadence 3 (1983); Cadet Rousselle (1973); Café Picouly (2007); C'est au programme (2000–2001); Chabada (2010–2011); Challenge in the Snow (1968); Champs-Elysées (1982–1989); Chanter la vie (2001); Chouette, chat, chien... show (1980); Daisy Town (1971); Deux mamans pour Noël (1998); Die Drehscheibe (1978); Discorama (1974); Dolmen (2005); Domino (1974); Dream On (1990–1994); Du tac au tac (1976); Effraction (1986); Élection de Miss France (1992); Erotissimo (1969); French CanCan (1974); Fugues à Fugain (1981); Gala de l'union (1969); Gala du Midem (1968); Glee (2010); Guépardes (2018); Hier encore (2015); Impressions d'Afrique (1977); Isle of Love (1974); Itinerary of a Spoiled Child (1988); Joyeux anniversaire Monsieur Trenet (1995); Juste pour rire (2005); La belle Anglaise (1988–1990); La bonne conduite (1977–1981); La chance aux chansons (1986–1997); La classe (1992); La fête de la chanson française (2016); La grande farandole (1961); La joie de vivre (1970); La méthode Cauet (2007); La pétaudière de Gontran H / Podcast Series (2022); La plus belle pour aller danser (2023); La puce et le privé (1981); La vie secrète des chansons (2020); L'académie des 9 (1982–1985); Lahaye d'honneur (1988); Le grand échiquier (1976–1987); Le jeu de la vérité (1985); Le monde est à vous (1988); Le palmarès des chansons (1966); Le paria (1985); Le petit dimanche illustré (1968); Le plus grand cabaret du monde (2002); Le Poulain au galop (1974); Le temps perdu (2001); L'école des fans (1978); Les 40 ans de la 2 (2004); Les années bonheur (2011–2017); Les Chroniques du Mea (2018); Les clés du paradis (1991); Les coeurs brûlés (1992–1994); Les enfants de la musique (2021); Les enfants de la télé (2019); Les Enfoirés (1986); Les étoiles de la chanson (1971); Les femmes en chansons (2008); Les grands du rire (2005–2017); Les grosses têtes (1992); Les Misérables (1995); Les nouveaux rendez-vous (1980–1981); Les petits papiers de Noël (1976); Les rendez-vous du dimanche (1976–1980); Les uns et les autres (1983); L'invité du dimanche (1968); Live for Life (1967); L'Oeil du cyclone (1997); Loin de Rueil (1961); Loin des yeux (1996); Love in the Night (1968); Lucky Luke: Ballad of the Daltons (1978); Maigret (2002); Mardi cinéma (2018); Même le dimanche (2017); Menteur! Menteuse! (2004); Mes héros (2012); Midi Trente (1973–1974); Midi-Première (1975–1981); Musicolor (1969–1970); Musidora (1973); Musique and Music (1977–1978); Nina (2017); Nino Ferrer chanté par: Making-of de l'enregistrement (2009); Numéro un (1975–1981); On a tout essayé (2003–2006); On n'a pas tout dit (2008); On n'est pas couché (2015); One Night... a Train (1968); Palmarès (1979–1980); Pariser Journal (1963); Paris-Québec sous les étoiles (2010); Passez donc me voir (1982); Passing show (1963); Plein fer (1990); Podium (2006); Psy d'urgence (2001); Quelques pas dans les nuages (1963); Rembob'Ina (2023); Rifkin's Festival (2020); Ring Parade (1975–1976); Sacha Distel and Guests (1979); Sacha show (1968–1979); Sacrée soirée (1988–1992); Samedi et compagnie (1970); Seaside Special (1978); Sport en fête (1974); Star Academy (2001); Stars (1980–1981); Stars 90 (1990–1994); Studio Gabriel (1996); Suivez Lecoq (1980–1981); Surprise party (1997); Surprise sur prise (1998); Symphonic Show (2007); Système 2 (1975–1976); Taratata (1974); Télé Caroline (1988); Tender Moment (1968); Tenue de soirée (2007); The Best Years of a Life (2019); The Bourne Identity (2002); The Gilded Cage (2013); The Judge Is a Woman (2013); The New Girlfriend (2014); Thé ou café (1998–2015); The Paris Murders (2015); The Two-Sided Mirror (2009); There Were Days... and Moons (1990); Top à... (1972–1974); Top Club (1979); Tous à la une (1992); Tous en scène (1968); Tous vos amis sont là... (2010); Tout le monde en parle (2008); Tout nouveau, tout beau (1981); Toute la chanson (1961); Toute une vie dans un Dimanche (1982); Try This One for Size (1989); Ubu enchaîné (1971); Un + Une (2015); Un certain regard (1964); Un enfant dans la ville (1971); Un homme à la maison (2000); Un viol (2009); Underground (1970); Upshaw (1967); Villa mon rêve (2001); Vivement dimanche (2000–2019); Vivement dimanche prochain (1999–2006); Water Power (1977); Werner Müllers Schlagermagazin (1961–1962).

Born on this day – Stephen Mendillo:

Stephen Mendillo

Actor

October 9, 1940 – September 3, 2025

In Star Trek: Enterprise (2002).

Credits:

100 Centre Street (2001); Alias (2002); American Comedy (2023); BlackMale (2000); Cold Case (2009); Do Not Go Gentle (2018); Drop in Any Mailbox (2014); Empire Falls (2005); E-Ring (2005); G.I. Jane (1997); Ghost Light (2025); Kisses Over Babylon (2009); Last of the Romantics (2007); Law & Order (1991–1997); Little Minx Exquisite Corpse: Waffles for Breakfast (2008); Lonely Lil (2016); Medium (2009); Our Town (2003); Son of the Beach (2002); Soul Man (1997); Star Trek: Enterprise (2002); Sympathy for Delicious (2010); The Artist (2011); The City (1997); The Invincible Iron Man (2007); The Miserabilist (2018); The Practice (2004); The Public Eye (1992); The Shrink Is In (2001); The Whole Truth (2011); Thumb Runner (2020); Uninvited (1999).

Born on this day – Michael Palmer:

Michael Palmer

Physician

Writer

October 9, 1943 – October 30, 2013

Credits:

Books:

Oath of Office (2012); Political Suicide (2012); Resistant (2014); The Sisterhood (1982); Side Effects (1986); Flashback (1988); Extreme Measures (1991); Natural Causes (1994); Silent Treatment (1995); Critical Judgment (1996); Miracle Cure (1998); The Patient (2000); Fatal (2002); The Society (2004); The Fifth Vial (2007); The First Patient (2008); The Second Opinion (2009); The Last Surgeon (2010); A Heartbeat Away (2011); Trauma (2015); Mercy (2016); The First Family (2018); Disfigured (2006); The Dead Club (2010); Disfigured (2006); The Dead Club (2010); On Call (2012); Natural Suspect (2001); Thriller: Stories To Keep You Up All Night (2006); First Thrills (2010); No Rest for the Dead (2011); In Search of Humanity (2015).

Movies and television:

Book Case TV (2013); Extreme Measures (1996); Silent Treatment (2012).

Born on this day – Lorna Raver:

 

Lorna Raver

Actress

October 9, 1943 – May 12, 2025

In Star Trek: Voyager (1995).

Credits:

10-8: Officers on Duty (2003); Ally McBeal (2001); Armored (2009); Beverly Hills, 90210 (1997); Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction / Segment: The Landlady (1999); Bones (2009); Boston Legal (2004–2006); Breaking Waves (2011); Bull (2000–2001); Candor City Hospital (2005); CBS Schoolbreak Special (1994); Charmed (2002); Clubhouse (2004); Cold Case (2004); Crisis Center (1997); CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2006); Cujo (2016); Desperate Housewives (2004); Don't Pick Up the Phone: The Making of the Caller (2011); Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1997); Drag Me to Hell (2009); Drag Me to Hell: The Production Diaries (2009); Dragnet (2003); Eli Stone (2008); ER (1996); Felicity (1998); First Watch (2003); Freeway (1996); Getting By (1993); Gilmore Girls (2001); Grey's Anatomy (2013); In Justice (2006); Jane Doe: Ties That Bind (2007); Judging Amy (2000); Leaving L.A. (1997); Malcolm in the Middle (2005); Nip/Tuck (2006); NYPD Blue (1997–2004); One Tree Hill (2009); Opportunity Knocks (1990); Raising the Bar (2009); Rake (2014); Reasonable Doubts (1993); Rushlights (2013); Saved by the Bell: The New Class (1996); Scream Awards 2009 (2009); Side Order of Life (2007); Sinbad The Fifth Voyage (2014); Star Trek: Voyager (1995); Stark Raving Mad (1999); The Bold and the Beautiful (1992); The Caller (2011); The Practice (1997); The Pretender (1999); The Young and the Restless (1997–2007); Traffic Light (2011); Up Close with Carrie Keagan (2009); Walkout (2006); Weeds (2005).

On this day in movie history - The French Connection (1971)

The French Connection

directed by William Friedkin,

written by Ernest Tidyman,

based on the book by Robin Moore,

was released in the United States on October 9, 1971.

Music by Don Ellis.

Cast:

Gene Hackman, Fernando Rey, Roy Scheider, Tony Lo Bianco, Marcel Bozzuffi, Frédéric de Pasquale, Bill Hickman, Ann Rebbot, Harold Gary, Arlene Farber, Eddie Egan, André Ernotte, Sonny Grosso, Benny Marino, Patrick McDermott, Alan Weeks, Al Fann, Irving Abrahams, Randy Jurgensen, William Coke, The Three Degrees, Frank Adonis, Gilda Albertoni, Robert Dahdah, Frank Durk, Rhina Ferrari, Sarina C. Grant, Joe Lo Grippo, Melonie Haller, Eric Jones, Gladys Lane, Jean Luisi, Doris McCarthy, Charles McGregor, Lora Mitchell, Maureen Mooney, Santos Morales, Silvano Nolemi, Burt Richards, Willy Switkes, Fat Thomas, Robert Weil.

On this day in movie and book history - Ticket to Heaven (1981) and Moonwebs (1981)

Ticket to Heaven

directed by Ralph L. Thomas,

written by Josh Freed, Anne Cameron and Ralph L. Thomas,

based on the book Moonwebs: Journey into the Mind of a Cult by Josh Freed,

was released in the United States on October 9, 1981.

Music by Micky Erbe and Maribeth Solomon.

Cast:

Nick Mancuso, Saul Rubinek, Meg Foster, Kim Cattrall, R.H. Thomson, Jennifer Dale, Guy Boyd, Dixie Seatle, Paul Soles, Harvey Atkin, Robert Joy, Stephen Markle, Timothy Webber, Patrick Brymer, Marcia Diamond, Michael Zelniker, Denise Naples, Angelo Rizacos, Cindy Girling, Gina Dick, Chris Britton, Margot Dionne, Claire Pimparé, Lynne Kolber, Lyn Harvey, Josh Freed, Candace O'Connor, Michael Wincott, Doris Petrie, Judy Marshak, David Main, Grant Slater, Les Rubie, Sandra Gies, Susan Hannon, Marie Lynn Hammond, Paul Booth, Charles Gray, Brian Leonard, Ron Nigrini, Craig Stephens.

Recommended reading:

 

Moonwebs: Journey into the Mind of a Cult

by Josh Freed.

 
Filmed as Ticket to Heaven (1981), directed by Ralph L. Thomas.
 
ISBN 13: 9780920528273
ISBN 10: 0920528279
ASIN: 0920528279

Published by Virgo.
First published 1981.
Paperback.
 
Description:
 
INSIDE THE MOONIES!
 
Benji Miller would still be entwined in the tentacles of the Unification Church, a victim of irresistible brainwashing techniques, if his friends as family had not risked thousands of dollars, criminal charges, and their own sanity, to kidnap Benji and ‘deprogram’ him. Author Josh Freed was with them.
 
He experienced the first stages of Moonie brainwashing and recounts in detail the harrowing techniques that thousands have fallen victim to. He described methods so powerful that anyone could succumb … your family … your friends … even you …
 
Praise for the book!
 
“…thought-provoking and persuasive…” – Books in Canada.
 
“… breathtaking and hilarious…” – Eve Drobot, The Globe and Mail.
 
“…this story is a valuable one…” – Quill and Quire.
 
“…one of the most frightening books on now on the market…” – Kitchener-Waterloo Record.
 
Praise for the movie!
 
“…riveting film …explosive depiction of a growing controversial issue.” – Rex Reed, New York Daily News.
 
“A first class social thriller.” – Variety.
 
“…completely absorbing…” – Chicago Sun-Times.
 
“…it is absorbing … touching on the chilling…” – Bruce Kirkland, Toronto Sun.
 
“An exciting, scary, psychological thriller.” – Martin Knelman, Toronto Life.
 
Moonwebs first appeared as a series of articles which won the National Newspaper Award as the best news story in Canada.

On this day in movie history - I, the Jury (1982)

I, the Jury

directed by Richard T. Heffron,

written by Larry Cohen, and based on the novel by Mickey Spillane,

was released in the United States on October 9, 1982.

Music by Bill Conti.

Cast:

Armand Assante, Barbara Carrera, Laurene Landon, Alan King, Geoffrey Lewis, Paul Sorvino, Judson Scott, Barry Snider, Julia Barr, Jessica James, Frederick Downs Jr., Mary Margaret Amato, F.J. O'Neil, William G. Schilling, Robert Sevra, Don Pike, Timothy Meyers, Leigh Harris, Lynette Harris, Gwyn / Gwynn Gillis, Mike Miller, Alex Stevens, Bobbie Burns, M. Sharon Madigan, Richard Russell Ramos, Norman Blankenship, Daniel Faraldo, H. Richard Greene, Felicity Adler, Jodi Douglas, Lee H. Doyle, Cheryl Henry, Michael Fiorello, Herb Peterson, Richard Dahlia, Aaron Barsky, Ernest Harada, Larry Pine, Joe Farago, Alan Dellay, Jack Davidson, Loring Pickering, Corinne Bohrer, Bobby Astyr, Roger Caine, Michael Cullum, Samantha Fox, Linda Hamil, David Lauren, Candida Royalle, Marlene Willoughby.

On this day in movie history - Someone to Watch Over Me (1987)

Someone to Watch Over Me

directed by Ridley Scott,

written by Howard Franklin,

was released in the United States on October 9, 1987.

Music by Michael Kamen.

Cast:

Tom Berenger, Mimi Rogers, Lorraine Bracco, Jerry Orbach, John Rubinstein, Andreas Katsulas, Tony DiBenedetto, James E. Moriarty, Mark Moses, Daniel Hugh Kelly, Harley Cross, Joanne Baron, Anthony Bishop, David Berman, Sharon K. Brecke, Peter Carew, Christopher Cass, Jim Paul Eilers, Suzi Gilder, Mary Gillis, Billy Kane, Helen Lambros, Jack McGee, Meg Mundy, Jeff Nielsen, Harlan Cary Poe, Marilyn Rockafellow, Helen Tran, Harvey Vernon, Mark Voland, Anthony Caso, John Corbett, Jack Couch, Louis Durra, Joey Gironda, Timothy Klein, John Sobestanovich.

On this day in movie history - Homicide (1991)

Homicide

directed and written by David Mamet,

was released in the United States on October 9, 1991.

Music by Alaric Jans.

Cast:

Joe Mantegna, William H. Macy, Ving Rhames, Natalia Nogulich, Vincent Guastaferro, J. J. Johnston, Lionel Mark Smith, Rebecca Pidgeon, Ricky Jay, Roberta Custer, Charles Stransky, Bernard Gray, Paul Butler.