SOLD OUT: The Bitter Stems (1956): Film Noir UK

Classed as one of the best noir drenched films of the 1950s, maybe ever, this Argentinian film noir has an evocative score, combining elements of tango, jazz, and classical music, by legendary composer Astor Piazzolla.

Adapted from journalist Adolfo Jasca’s award winning novel, the story sees Alfredo Gasper,

a dissatisfied Buenos Aires newspaperman, partner with Paar Liudas, a clever Hungarian refugee who needs money to bring his family to Argentina. Together they create a bogus correspondence school, exploiting the hopes of would-be journalists. As their scheme succeeds beyond their wildest dreams, a mystery woman from Liudas’ past sparks Gasper’s suspicion: his charming colleague may be playing him for a sucker. Soon Gasper finds himself plotting the perfect crime – but fate has many twists in store.

With thanks to Flicker Alley, UCLA Film & Television Archive Fernando Martín Peña, Argentina Sono Film and the Film Noir Foundation.