The Stop Button Posted by on April 29, 2020

The first third of City Streets is this awesome bit of experimenting from director Mamoulian as he tries to figure out how to make a sound picture. Lots of great shots and camera setups, usually with too dawdling cuts. William Shea holds everything just a few seconds too long. But...   read more

Flickers in Time Posted by Beatrice on June 28, 2018

City Streets Directed by Rouben Mamoulian Written by Oliver H.P. Garrett; adapted by Max Marsin from a story by Dashiell Hammett 1931/USA Paramount Pictures First viewing/YouTube Rouben Mamoulian brings “art” and flashy camera moves to the gangster flick.  It works out remarkably well. S   read more

The Man on the Flying Trapeze Posted by David on January 22, 2013

The 1931 film "City Streets" is blessed visually in several ways. One is by the smooth, innovative direction of Rouben Mamoulian, who in this film introduces one storytelling technique that today's movies are still using. Another is the atmospheric photography by Lee Garmes, who also shot "Scarface,   read more

The Man on the Flying Trapeze Posted by David on January 22, 2013

The 1931 film "City Streets" is blessed visually in several ways. One is by the smooth, innovative direction of Rouben Mamoulian, who in this film introduces one storytelling technique that today's movies are still using. Another is the atmospheric photography by Lee Garmes, who also shot "Scarface,   read more

Noir and Chick Flicks Posted by Dawn on March 14, 2011

City Streets (1931). Pre-Code crime film directed by Rouben Mamoulian. Cast: Gary Cooper, Sylvia Sidney, Paul Lukas and Guy Kibbee. The story begins when Bootlegger Blackie, is killed by Pop Cooley, because of Maskal's involvement with, Aggie. After Pop shoots Blackie, he gives the gun to his step   read more