Recommended reading - Dark City: The Film Noir (1984):

Dark City: The Film Noir (1984).

By Spencer Selby.

Published by McFarland Classics.

Paperback.

ISBN-10: 0786404787

ISBN-13: 978-0786404780

Description:

The most complete reference to the dark 40s and 50s stylistic dramas. The first section has a lengthy analytical essay as well as detailed plot descriptions and credits for 25 classics – such as The Maltese Falcon, Laura, and Detective Story. The second section is an annotated filmography including major credits and short descriptions of nearly 500 films. Also included are appendices listing every film noir by both director and chronological order, off-genre noirs, and other films bearing important relationships to the noir cycle.

San Francisco’s Spencer Selby spent over five years researching and writing Dark City. This acclaimed work was called “a first-rate reference” by Booklist, while American Reference Books Annual called the book “Brilliant … both valuable and informative.”