FILM NOIR - which translates literally as "black film" or "black cinema" - was an epithet first used by French film critics to describe the new wave of downbeat American crime and detective films which were released in France immediately after WWII. Primarily filmed in a low-key, monochrome visual style that had roots in German Expressionist cinematography, they became increasingly prominent in the immediate post-war era, enjoying a Golden Age through to the late 50s. This unique set features the main title themes and/or signature music from 42 Noir classics, starting with John Huston's pivotal "The Maltese Falcon" (1941) and ending with Orson Welles' "Touch Of Evil" (1958), taking in benchmark movies like "The Big Sleep" (1946), "The Postman?Always Rings Twice" (1946), "Key Largo" (1948), "White Heat" (1949), "The Third Man" (1949), "Strangers On A?Train" (1951), "The Big Heat" (1953) and "Night Of The Hunter" (1955), in between. A truly unique compilation, this is a must-have for fans of the golden cinematic era.