THE BITTER STEMS is a 1956 Argentine Film Noir and is one of two new releases from Flicker Alley and the Film Noir Foundation that showcase two “lost” movies from 1950s Argentina. It was based on a best selling Argentine novel and is on AMERICAN CINEMATOGRAPHER’s list of the 100 Best Photographed Films of all time. The cinematographer, Ricardo Younis, was a pupil of the legendary Gregg Toland (CITIZEN KANE) while Fernando Ayala was emerging as one of Argentina’s top directors. After being acclaimed on its initial release, it disappeared for many years before being discovered at a private collector’s home. Restoration was done at the UCLA Film & Television Archive.
The story concerns a disillusioned journalist (Carlos Cores) who joins forces with a Hungarian immigrant (Vassili Lambrinos) to create a fake journalism correspondence school so the Hungarian can bring his family to Argentina. It all starts well with the money rolling in and 2/3 going to bring the family over but soon the journalist thinks he is being cheated after the appearance of a woman who is not a family member. It is then that he takes matters into his own hands with tragic results. In addition to solid performances and moody photography, BITTER STEMS features an early score from celebrated composer Astor Piazzola.
Thanks once again to Flicker Alley for continuing their ongoing Film Noir Series in partnership with “Noircheologist” Eddie Muller and to his Film Nor Foundation for rescuing THE BITTER STEMS from oblivion. The DVD/Blu Ray combo comes with a 23 page booklet that is loaded with photos and information. Other extras include a filmed introduction on the movie with Muller, a conversation with Argentine archivist Fernando Martin Pena, and a profile of composer Astor Piazzola. Finally there is an optional commentary from film historian Imogen Sara Smith. An absolute must have for fans of Film Noir.
The Capsule Critic 