This is the essential gangster movie, film noir text.
Scholars and enthusiasts of the film world have been waiting for
this reissue for ages, and finally, it's here.
Shadoian's comprehensive knowledge of film
history and his academic acumen are elegantly
showcased by his witty, well-turned writing,
making this text indispensable in the classroom,
in the personal library and on the coffee table. A
must for anyone with a even passing interest in
the femme fatale, the disenchanted ..., the
moody canted shadows and rain-slicked streets
steeped in shadows and blood. Keep this book handy by
the TV/VCR/DVD player.

An incredibly intelligent book. Jack Shadoian knows his field with astonishing depth and bredth. Using his characteristically witty and well-turned style, Shadoian illuminates the historical and social milieu from which these famous films sprouted. I recommend Dreams and Dead Ends as de rigeur for any film scholar.