A Musical Noir

Is “musical noir” an oxymoron?  Consider The Strip (1951). No brilliant story line or acting, but dig that crazy sound. Features significant performances by greats Earl "Fatha" Hines, Jack Teagarden, Louis Armstrong, Barney Bigard, Vic Damone, and Monica Lewis. It is the only film noir to be nominated for Best Original Song - A Kiss to Build a Dream On, introduced to the world by Armstrong and his All-Stars Band. As a special treat, you get to watch the star, Mickey Rooney, try to sing the song and do a Gene Krupa impersonation.

What musical noirs do you recommend? Do strong chanteuse leads (Rita Hayworth, Ida Lupino) make a dark story a musical?

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