Yes, that is a gun in my pocket
September 13, 2006
While “researching” a soon-to-come post about Jim Thompson I came across this fascinating article about the (usually uncredited) photographs used to illustrate the noir magazines of the ’30’s and ’40’s.
Great article, even better pictures.
“Film star Mae West once asked, "Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me?" In the case of this photograph, we can confidently say - it's a gun. There is real danger here - and not just from smoking in bed. But there's also danger in assuming too much.
So look closely at the languid young thing on the bed. She may be holding that hand mirror as if to check her lipstick - but her eyes are turned to the side, the better to see that gun being pulled.”
More:
- Pulp Pix: The Bizarre Case of Photography Noir (photographymuseum.com)
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