DVD Corner

Dark City Dames (Revised And Expanded Edition) Book Review

“Dark City Dames (Revised And Expanded Edition)” is another TCM winner.

Author Eddie Muller is certainly no stranger to Turner Classic Movies book releases having penned several film noir centric titles (not to mention hosting TCM’s Noir Alley program). “Dark City Dames” was a previously released biographical title, but this new edition features new content. The first two-thirds of the book spotlight 6 actresses whose work was exceptional in the film noir genre in the 40’s and 50’s. The actresses include: Jane Greer, Audrey Totter, Marie Windsor, Evelyn Keyes, Coleen Gray, and Ann Savage. Muller also follows up on the lives of these 6 women 50 years later. The new section of revised and expanded edition features 10 shorter bios on film noir mainstays Joan Bennett, Peggie Castle, Rhonda Fleming, Marsha Hunt, Ella Raines, Ruth Roman, Gail Russell, Jan Sterling, Claire Trevor, and Helen Walker. The book closes out with acknowledgments, an index, and a very personal afterword in which Muller talks about his journey in writing the book and the time he spent with the 6 featured actresses. 

Many of the Turner Classic Movies books tend to be list oriented, but “Dark City Dames” is a biography. As one might expect, Muller digs into the lives and careers of the 6 women who were noteworthy femme fatales in the film noir world, but there’s much more going on than just that here. He’s showcasing these stars who never really got the recognition they deserve. This really feels like a tribute to the stars of yesteryear. At the same time, Muller is essentially giving readers a glimpse into the evolution of Hollywood through their individual stories. There’s so many fascinating stories to be found within these pages such as Evelyn Keyes relationship with jazz legend Artie Shaw, Ann Savage hitting a womanizing Tom Neal on set, Marie Windsor’s experience on working with Stanley Kubrick on “The Killing,” Jane Greer’s struggle with motherhood and balancing a career, Coleen Gray’s lifelong insecurities and anxieties, and Audrey Totter’s charming story of how she met her husband Leo. The new added bios are also a treat as some of my personal favorite underrated stars (like Ella Raines) get recognized.

For the film noir fans out there, there’s plenty of tidbits about films the actresses starred in such as “Out Of The Past” and “Narrow Margin,” but the book paints a more personal picture of these actresses as it delves into the struggles of stardom and getting acting work, the industry changes, their family and loved ones, etc. There’s no question that Muller’s love and passion for film noir shines in this book, but he’s also honoring the artists who made these movies come alive. That’s what makes this a rewarding read.

April 12, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Book review | Ann Savage, Audrey Totter, Coleen Gray, Dark City Dames (Revised And Expanded Edition) Book Review, Dark City Dames Book Review, Eddie Muller, Evelyn Keyes, Film Noir, Jane Greer, Marie Windsor, Turner Classic Movies