Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)
New episode! We watched the 1995 film Devil in a Blue Dress, based on the Walter Mosley novel of the same name. We discussed that although it had the same beats as any other 1950s LA-set noir (of which there are many), the added element of a Black lead and Black characters gave new eyes and experiences to the old tropes. We also wonder if most LA crime is just marginalized people being hired by the rich to do all their dirty work, rail against the LAPD, try to decide if it matters that the mystery is a bit convoluted if the characters have a journey, and express our love for period movie production design. Katy shares Casanova facts, Carrie sees Kamala Harris everywhere, Maddy thinks all white men detectives are insufferable, and Mack spoils the Chucky Cinematic Universe. We also discuss whether a person with a pencil thin mustache can actually be good, talk about the “missing woman=magic vagina” trope of these noir movies, try to convert historical currency to today, reminisce about LOST, and torture Carrie with traumatic childhood movie memories. Also—what was the deal with the tree guy?? Give it a listen! TW: LAPD, police brutality, racism, colorism, pedophilia, police corruption
