Film Noir: The Dark Side of Cinema XXVII (The Great Train Robbery/Unmasked/The Man is Armed) (Blu-ray)

This collection features three B-noir treasures from Poverty Row studio Republic Pictures. The Great Train Robbery (1941) – Duke Logan (Milburn Stone) and his gang hijack an entire train carrying gold bullion and passengers including nightclub entertainer Kay Stevens (Claire Carleton). Will Kay be saved by railroad detective Tom Logan (Bob Steele), who vows to halt the criminal activities of his brother Duke? Fast-paced direction by Republic’s top Western-maker, Joseph Kane (The Maverick Queen). Unmasked (1950) – Raymond Burr (TV’s Perry Mason) sizzles as a sleazy tabloid publisher who tricks wealthy women into investing in his ventures. His latest conquest is the rich wife of a once-successful producer who has lavished her with expensive jewelry. The tabloidman promises her marriage after she is granted a divorce. Instead, she is granted murder—in this lean, mean noir gem. The Man Is Armed (1956) – Framed by another man, truck driver Johnny Morrison (Dane Clark, Moonrise) serves a year in prison. After his release, Johnny confronts the man, who plunges off a roof to his death. However, Johnny later finds out that it was his old boss (William Talman, The Hitch-Hiker) who had framed him, and who now has blackmail on his mind. Twists and turns abound in this nifty thriller. NEW Audio Commentary for The Great Train Robbery by Film Historian Gary Gerani | NEW Audio Commentary for Unmasked by Author/Film Historian Alan K. Rode | NEW Audio Commentary for The Man is Armed by Mystery Writer and Filmmaker Max Allan Collins with Film Historian and Host of Cereal at Midnight Podcast, Heath Holland | Optional English Subtitles