Männer im Trenchcoat, Frauen im Pelz

Film noir, which enjoyed particular success in the 1930s and 1940s, is probably the most profound genre of classic Hollywood cinema. Eckhart Schmidt tries to show the background and developments and speaks, among others, with directors such as Richard Fleischer and Robert Wise as well as with "femme fatale" actresses. Filmmakers of the following generations explain how the style and themes of noir continue to shape cinema today.

Speed Wings

A kidnapping, three airplane crashes and several fist-fights adds speed to the plot in which the plans of a new, faster airplane motor invented by brothers Tim and Jerry are stolen and suspicion falls on their office secretary Mary Stuart. But she can pilot an airplane with the best of them and she risks her life to save Tim. And when she gets kidnapped, Jerry regains his lost nerve in rescuing her.

Errol Flynn: Portrait of a Swashbuckler

Narrated by actor Christopher Lee, this documentary details the life of timeless Hollywood adventure hero and sex symbol Errol Flynn, who swung his way into the hearts of the world's moviegoers with a sword and an errant grin. Interviews with friends and family balance a collection of clips from classic films such as The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Charge of the Light Brigade and Captain Blood, revealing the man behind the movie star.

Peter Lorre: The Master of Menace

Documentary overview of Peter Lorre's ascension to fame as a master purveyor of silky but disquieting peril.