Harry Landers

When his best friend is murdered while pursuing jewel smugglers, U.S. customs agent Cliff Holden (Dean Jagger) takes over the case, flying to Europe to board the same return flight as the chief suspect and following the trail back to a New York gang. John Carradine co-stars as the suave Doc Spencer. Shot almost entirely on New York City locations, C-Man has the gritty, documentary-style look of the independent noirs director Joseph Lerner made with his wife and producing partner Geraldine. The film was produced by Laurel Films and distributed by Film Classics, and is in the public domain.

Noir · Crime · Drama

A 1953 science fiction film directed by W. Lee Wilder, brother of Billy Wilder. An alien spacecraft lands in Santa Monica, and when the visitor's spacesuit makes it look menacing, it kills two people who attack it — then removes the suit and becomes invisible while being pursued by federal agents. A group of scientists races to communicate with the creature before the military destroys it. A quintessential low-budget 1950s invader picture, notable for its early use of an "invisible alien" premise and its downbeat ending. The film is in the public domain.

Sci-Fi · Horror