British Noir: Five Film Collection (DVD)

While the film noir movement may seem like a distinctly American phenomenon, British studios embarked on their own shadowy thrillers, laced with postwar cynicism. This five-DVD collection assembles some of the lesser-known Brit noir titles from the Rank Studios, featuring such major talents as actors James Mason, Trevor Howard, and John Mills; and directors Ronald Neame and Roy Ward Baker.

THEY MET IN THE DARK (1943): Discharged for treason, a former Navy Commander (James Mason) sets out to expose the espionage ring that destroyed his career - Directed by Carl Lamac.

THE OCTOBER MAN (1947): After a traumatic brain injury, a young engineer (John Mills) tries to repair his life. But his recovery is thwarted when a woman (Kay Walsh) is found strangled-and he becomes the prime suspect - Directed by Roy Ward Baker.

SNOWBOUND (1948): A British Army vet (Dennis Price) exposes a plot by ex-Nazis to reclaim a stash of gold bullion hidden at a ski resort. This edition was derived from a master suffering from moderate deterioration and is presented in a less-than-ideal condition - the stellar cast included Robert Newton, Herbert Lom and Stanley Holloway - Directed by David MacDonald.

THE GOLDEN SALAMANDER (1950): A British archaeologist (Trevor Howard) finds himself caught between a gang of North African gun-runners and the woman he loves (Anouk Aimee) - the top-notch cast included Herbert Lom and Wilfrid-Hyde White - Directed by Ronald Neame.

THE ASSASSIN (aka Venetian Bird) (1952): A private eye (Richard Todd) arrives in Venice in search of a fugitive, but soon discovers that the city's winding waterways hold dark secrets - Directed by Ralph Thomas.