There are some celebrities who, by virtue of what they represent and contribute beyond their talent, become something more than simply what their chosen profession would indicate.

Crime has not just been good to the criminals; it's been awfully good to Hollywood as well.

There are plenty of films out there that make us hopeful about life and living. Film noir is a guilty pleasure where we witness the denizens of society's bottom rungs stamping on each other's feet for a higher, safer position.

Today marks the centennial of director Elia Kazan's birth, and doubtless Hollywood will soon be giving us souped-up special editions of his finest film work, if they haven't already.

For those of you who love cities, movies, and by extension, cities in movies, here's a batch of capital DVD titles, and the capitals that inspired them.

Welcome to film noir, indeed a world unto its own. In my book, this type of picture, done right, has always deserved the highest of praise.