By Rin Kelly

Dames, dirtbags and private dicks from the dueling capitals of noir face off in American Cinematheque’s “Noir City: Los Angeles vs. New York” film festival, running through May 2 at the Egyptian. Each double dose of dead-end dope features one film set in New York and one in LA, starting with 1948’s Act of Violence. That’s the LA contender, featuring heavyweights Janet Leigh and producer Dore Schary, plus masterful cinematography that puts the screws to the city’s soul. It’s up against Force of Evil, the ’48 directorial debut of Abraham Polonsky—who, like Schary, was a trigger man against the pinko hunt. Polonsky’s numbers-racket exposé fingers capitalism itself as a grifter of the soul, and he later had it out with McCarthy himself. The brawl continues all week with Armed Car Robbery, Odds Against Tomorrow, The Sweet Smell of Success (you’re a three-time loser if you’ve never seen this peach), and rarities Port of New York and The Breaking Point.

Festival of Film Noir. The Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles 90028. 323.466.FILM. Thurs-Sun 7:30pm. Thru May 2. $7-10; parking, $5-10. Check website for more information.

Tags: To Do