ASK EDDIE - February 5 2026

Описание: 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 non-profit cinemas, 35mm vs digital projection of classic films, the potential impact of Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Brothers on physical media distribution, our thoughts on Robert Taylor, and more. The lightning round returns and includes a noir or not section. On the cat front, Emily is tired of our nonsense. Timestamps and questions below.

0:00 - Noir City 23 recap, and what's upcoming
12:57 - Q1: Optimism about the not-for-profit cinema model.
17:55 - Q2: Opinions on screening rough 35mm prints vs. digital restorations.
23:52 - Q3: Potential impact of a Netflix/Warner Bros. sale on physical media and film restoration.
34:44 - Q4: Top three neo-noirs of recent times.

42:51 - LIGHTNING ROUND
43:09 - 5A: Plot inconsistencies in The Talented Mr. Ripley novel.
45:32 - 5B: When Pickup on South Street might air on TCM.
47:00 - 5C: Noir or not? Quick rulings on Macbeth, Freebie and the Bean, Days of Wine and Roses, In This Our Life, Midnight Lace.
54:50 - 5D: Feedback on the lighting and set design for Noir Alley intros.
58:49 - 5E: Potential double feature of The Reckless Moment and Make Haste to Live.
1:01:30 - Q6: Noirs that use comedic elements to lighten the tone.
1:09:40 - Q7: Darren McGavin’s audiobook narrations and the home video status of To the Ends of the Earth (1948).
1:15:40 - Q8: How The Big Sleep could have been more of a noir.
1:23:41 - Q9: Favorite noirs set in a confined place or time.
1:28:13 - Q10: Favorite Robert Taylor roles.
1:35:02 - Q11: Whether Eddie’s father knew boxing figure Nat Fleischer.
1:37:39 - Upcoming Noir City Seattle, Eddie recording Noir Alley in NYC with Rosie Perez, Anne's former Seattle days and meeting Eddie, next Ask Eddie before Noir City Seattle.

This week’s questions:
1. Are you optimistic about the not-for-profit model saving theater viewing?
—Joe from Suffolk County, NY
2.  What is your opinion regarding running a rough 35mm print versus a digital restoration?
—Diane, West Chester, PA
3. If Netflix owned WB and stopped licensing their films and ceased releasing WB films on BD/DVD, might the studio stop restoring their catalog and could that lead to other studios and boutique labels discontinuing releasing physical media?
—Ryan from Universal
4. What are you top three neo noirs of recent times?
—Jon
5. Lightning Round
a. “The Talented Mr. Ripley” features a couple inconsistencies. Did Highsmith get confused or make major plot changes while going through various drafts?
—Ron
b. Is “Pickup on South Street” due air on TCM schedule.
—George and Mary
c. Noir or not?
i. Shakespeare's “Macbeth”. -Benjamin
ii. “Freebie and the Bean”-Joe on Long Island
iii. “Days Of Wine and Roses”-Eric
iv. “In This Our Life” – Julie
v. "Midnight Lace" -Richard, New York
d. Why the flat, standard lighting on “Noir Alley”?
—Donna
e. Would Eddie pair the similar noirs “The Reckless Moment” and “Make Haste” during a future NOIR CITY?
—Michael, Post Falls, ID
6. Which noirs have the most deliberate use of comedic elements to lighten the tone? 
—Ken from Oklahoma 
7. Please touch on Darren McGavin’s stellar voice work in the John MacDonald audiobooks. I’d love a discussion of “To the Ends of the Earth” too.
—Mike
8. How could "The Big Sleep" have taken a different path to noir glory?
—Bonnie from Cave Creek, AZ
9. What are some of your favorites noirs that take place in a specific place or a specific time frame?
—Bob
10. I would like to know if you have any favorite Robert Taylor roles.
—Steve
11. Did Eddie’s father and Nat Fleischer know each other?
—Michael, Post Falls, ID

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