Comedy noir would seem to be a contradiction in terms, but there are in fact movies in this vein that deserve serious attention, particularly "The Ladykillers" (1955).
Produced for Michael Balcon by the multi-talented Seth Holt, and easily ranking as the most ingratiating Little Old Lady movie of all time, this wittily-plotted, thoroughly macabre comedy is propelled by a superb cast led by the redoubtable Katie Johnson in the best (and second last) role of her entire career.
Katie's superlative performance enabled her to win the British Academy Award for Best Actress. The movie also won BAFTA awards for Best British Film and Best British Screenplay. (The film also collared the annual award for Best Film from Any Source). Katie's brilliant characterization is aided by a stellar support cast in which Alec Guinness, Cecil Parker and especially Danny Green, shine. (The DVD was once available from Anchor Bay).
Produced for Michael Balcon by the multi-talented Seth Holt, and easily ranking as the most ingratiating Little Old Lady movie of all time, this wittily-plotted, thoroughly macabre comedy is propelled by a superb cast led by the redoubtable Katie Johnson in the best (and second last) role of her entire career.
Katie's superlative performance enabled her to win the British Academy Award for Best Actress. The movie also won BAFTA awards for Best British Film and Best British Screenplay. (The film also collared the annual award for Best Film from Any Source). Katie's brilliant characterization is aided by a stellar support cast in which Alec Guinness, Cecil Parker and especially Danny Green, shine. (The DVD was once available from Anchor Bay).