PHOENIXVILLE, PA — The Colonial Theatre will once again transform into a temple of shadows this November as it welcomes the return of NOIR CITY: Philadelphia, a three-day film festival celebrating the enduring mystique of classic Hollywood noir and the women who defined it.
From November 14 through 16, the historic Phoenixville landmark will showcase ten films spanning the genre’s golden age, curated by Eddie Muller—host of Turner Classic Movies’ Noir Alley and founder of the Film Noir Foundation. This year’s theme, “Women of Classic Film Noir,” spotlights the strength and complexity of the genre’s leading ladies, including Ella Raines, Ruth Roman, and Jane Sterling, whose performances shaped cinema’s portrayal of moral ambiguity and desire.
“The contributions of these actresses are a major reason noir has retained its allure through many subsequent generations,” Muller said. “For younger fans … this will be the first time they’ve seen many of these movies—and certainly the first time on a big screen with an enthusiastic audience.”
Among this year’s highlights are three rarely screened titles: Hell’s Half Acre (1954), Alias Nick Beal (1949), and Max Ophüls’ The Reckless Moment (1949). Audiences will also experience The Prowler (1951), restored in 35mm by the Film Noir Foundation and UCLA Film & Television Archive. The weekend lineup includes other classics such as The Narrow Margin, Ace in the Hole, and Caged, each illustrating the tension, glamour, and grit that made noir timeless.
Tickets for individual screenings start at $25, with double features priced at $40. Festivalgoers can purchase a weekend pass for $206, granting access to all ten screenings. All films will be shown in The Colonial’s 1903 Theatre, an intimate setting that evokes the era when these stories first captivated audiences.
As one of the region’s most celebrated nonprofit arts venues, The Colonial Theatre continues to be a cornerstone of cultural life in Chester County. Drawing more than 70,000 visitors annually, the theater is known for its mix of classic cinema, live performances, and signature events like Blobfest, honoring its appearance in the 1958 cult film The Blob.
NOIR CITY: Philadelphia reaffirms the Colonial’s reputation as a guardian of film history and a gathering place for those who still believe that the past—especially when lit by flickering projectors and smoky intrigue—never truly fades.
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