Ask Eddie - July 10, 2025

FNF prez Eddie Muller responds to film noir fan questions fielded by the Foundation's Director of Communications Anne Hockens. In this edition, we discuss why studios don’t restore silent films, contemporary artist who use film noir images in their work, Sterling Hayden’s memoir “Wanderer”, noirish Pre-Code films, finding enjoyment in “art drenched with heartache”, and more. We wrap up with Eddie’s thoughts on piquing young people’s interest in film noir. On the cat front, Emily says hello. Timestamps and questions below: 0:00 Cat envy, summer fog, Eddie's updates on books, and Noir City Portland 3:45  Q1: Why aren’t major studios restoring silent films, even those in the public domain? 14:08 Q2: Do you know any contemporary artists using film noir images in their work? 18:24 Q3: Opinion on Sterling Hayden’s “Wanderer” and other great Hollywood autobiographies? 29:32 Q4: Will your novel “Shadow Boxer” ever be reprinted and rereleased? 34:16 Q5: What pre-code titles do you consider especially noirish? 43:01 Q6: How can you enjoy art filled with heartache, like “In a Lonely Place” or “Criss Cross”? 49:09 Q7: Favorite foreign language to hear in a noir — and do you use closed captions? 55:12 Q8: Which classic-era actor or actress do you wish had starred in a good noir? 1:04:20 Q9: Is Fred MacMurray’s delivery in “Double Indemnity” too forced or part of the character? 1:08:44 Q10: Which noirs have connected most with younger audiences? 1:12:52 Thoughts on inspiring future noir fans, Bruno Cremer and Maigret Mondays This week’s questions: 1. In the late ’80’s, Turner bought MGM’s library, which is now obviously under Warner. Warner has so many great silent films in their library that haven’t been restored. Why would they not be restoring these masterpieces? Why would it be difficult to get something restored when it is already in the public domain?  —Chris 2. Do you know of a contemporary artist who is using Film Noir images as part of his/her work? —Arthur 3. What do you think of 1963 book “Wanderer” written by actor Sterling Hayden? And what other Hollywood autobiographies do you rate highly? —James, Chicago, IL 4. Eddie, I bought, read, and loved your novel, "The Distance."  Now I would like to read your follow-up, "Shadow Boxer". Any chance of this novel will be reprinted and rereleased? —Bill, Walnut Creek, CA 5. What pre-code titles would you recommend as particularly noir-ish? starring Barbara Stanwyck, would top the list. —Kingpin Johnny, Doylestown, PA 6. How does one find enjoyment in art drenched with heartache? Do you enjoy “In a Lonely Place” and “Criss Cross”? If not, what word would you use? —Joe, Suffolk, NY 7. What is your favorite language to listen to in foreign noirs? Conversely is there a language that grates upon your ears? Do you watch English language television with the close captioning on? —Richard, Fort Lee, NJ 8. Is there an actor or actress from the classic era that either never appeared in or was not featured properly in film noirs, but you would have liked to seen in a good one?  —Ken   9. Fred MacMurray’s speech patterns in “Double Indemnity” are not convincing enough. He’s trying for noir-like clipped speech, but it sounds labored to me. What’s your opinion regarding this? -Robert 10. Eddie, which noirs have elicited the most positive responses from younger members? —Michael, Post Falls, ID Want your question answered in a future episode? We solicit questions from our email subscribers in our monthly newsletters. Sign up for free at https://www.filmnoirfoundation.org/si... Contribute here to support our restoration efforts: https://www.filmnoirfoundation.org/co... who signs up on our email list and contributes $20 receives the digital version of NOIR CITY Magazine for a year.