The 2025 TCM Noir Alley Schedule: 5 Essential Films And Eddie Muller’s Darkest Picks Revealed
The curtain is rising on another year of shadows and cynicism, and the 2025 Noir Alley schedule on Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is already delivering a lineup of must-see classics. Hosted by the "Czar of Noir," Eddie Muller, the weekly program continues to be the definitive destination for fans of the genre, airing every Saturday at midnight (ET) with a Sunday morning encore. As of late December 2025, the official TCM schedule has unveiled a tantalizing glimpse into the programming for the coming year, confirming a mix of iconic masterpieces, deep-cut rarities, and international gems that promise to satisfy even the most hard-boiled cinephile.
This year’s programming confirms Muller’s dedication to showcasing the full breadth of the genre, from the gritty American crime thrillers of the 1940s and 50s to the essential international films that carry the noir spirit. From a notorious crime-spree classic to a French masterpiece known simply as "Grisbi," the 2025 schedule is already shaping up to be one of the most compelling yet, ensuring your weekends are appropriately dark and dramatic.
The Essential 2025 Noir Alley Lineup: Confirmed Film Highlights
While the full year’s schedule is rolled out month-by-month, several key titles have been confirmed for the 2025 season, providing a solid foundation of classic film noir. These confirmed titles are essential viewing for anyone looking to understand the genre's enduring appeal, featuring legendary stars and challenging themes that remain relevant today. This list represents the freshest, most up-to-date schedule information available.
- March 16, 2025: Gun Crazy (1950)
- May 18, 2025: Touchez pas au grisbi (1954)
- September 6, 2025: He Ran All the Way (1951)
- October (TBD): The Big Street (1942)
- November (TBD): The Great Jewel Robber (1950)
1. The Crime Spree Masterpiece: Gun Crazy (1950)
Slated for a mid-March showing, Gun Crazy (originally titled Deadly Is the Female) is a perennial favorite and a cornerstone of the crime-spree subgenre. Directed by Joseph H. Lewis, the film stars Peggy Cummins as the ultimate femme fatale, Annie Laurie Starr, and John Dall as the gun-obsessed Bart Tare. The film is celebrated for its raw energy and groundbreaking visual techniques, including a famous single-take bank robbery scene filmed from the back seat of a car. Its exploration of the dangerous confluence of sex, violence, and obsession makes it a psychological thriller ahead of its time.
2. The French Connection: Touchez pas au grisbi (1954)
A true gem of international noir, Touchez pas au grisbi (released in the US as Grisbi or Honour Among Thieves) is a highlight of the May schedule. This French-Italian co-production, directed by Jacques Becker, stars the magisterial Jean Gabin as Max, an aging gangster who has just pulled off the heist of a lifetime—enough “grisbi” (loot) for a comfortable retirement. The film is less about action and more about the weariness of the criminal life, focusing on loyalty, friendship, and the inevitable consequences of a life lived in the shadows. Its inclusion is a testament to Eddie Muller’s commitment to showcasing global neo-noir.
3. The Blacklist’s Shadow: He Ran All the Way (1951)
Scheduled for September, He Ran All the Way is a powerful and poignant entry into the 2025 lineup. It features John Garfield in his final film role, starring alongside Shelley Winters. Directed by John Berry, the film is a taut crime drama about a small-time crook who takes a family hostage after a robbery goes wrong. The film’s production is historically significant, as both Garfield and director John Berry were soon blacklisted during the McCarthy era. It's a dark, claustrophobic look at desperation and fate, with a screenplay co-written by the blacklisted Dalton Trumbo and Hugo Butler.
4. Damon Runyon’s Dark Drama: The Big Street (1942)
October will feature the 1942 drama The Big Street, based on the short story "Little Pinks" by Damon Runyon. The film stars Henry Fonda as the hopelessly romantic busboy Augustus "Little Pinks" Pinkerton and Lucille Ball as the demanding, glamorous showgirl Gloria Lyons. While sometimes classified as a drama, its themes of unrequited love, tragedy, and the dark side of the nightclub world give it a distinct noirish edge, making it a fascinating selection for the program.
5. The Real-Life Rogue: The Great Jewel Robber (1950)
Set for November, The Great Jewel Robber is a lesser-known but historically intriguing film. Starring David Brian, the movie dramatizes the crime spree of the notorious real-life jewel thief Gerard Dennis, known as "The Hollywood Raffles." Directed by Peter Godfrey, this 1950 drama offers a look at the glamour and danger of high-stakes theft, a classic noir trope where the pursuit of wealth ultimately leads to a downfall.
The Czar of Noir's 2025 Themes and Special Events
Eddie Muller, the host and President of the Film Noir Foundation (FNF), is the driving force behind the programming, and his selections often follow broader themes or coincide with FNF events. The 2025 schedule is no exception, with several key events anchoring the programming throughout the year.
The Holiday Noir Tradition
The year will wrap up with the traditional holiday programming. December’s schedule includes a "Christmas Noir Triple Bill," which is a seasonal favorite for fans who prefer their holidays to be less "White Christmas" and more "dark and stormy." The Film Noir Foundation has also confirmed a special "NOIR CITY Xmas 2025" event, often featuring films that explore the grimmer side of the holiday season. A confirmed December film is the Robert Montgomery-directed classic *Lady in the Lake* (1947), known for its experimental first-person camera work.
Deep Dives into Topical Authority
Muller’s introductions are as essential as the films themselves, providing crucial context on the directors, actors, and the social climate that birthed these dark dramas. For 2025, viewers can expect deep dives into the lives of figures like John Garfield, who tragically passed away shortly after the release of *He Ran All the Way*, and the significance of international noir like *Touchez pas au grisbi*. These segments offer a masterclass in film history, connecting the on-screen action to the real-world anxieties of the post-war era.
How to Watch the Full 2025 Noir Alley Schedule
The full, updated schedule for Noir Alley is continuously published on the official TCM website, typically released on a rolling monthly basis. Because the schedule is subject to change, the best way to keep up with the latest information is to check the TCM schedule directly. The program airs every Saturday at midnight (ET), with a repeat showing on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM (ET). Fans are also encouraged to join the conversation online using the hashtag #NoirAlley to connect with other enthusiasts and the Film Noir Foundation community.
The 2025 lineup is poised to deliver a powerful year of shadows, cynicism, and stunning cinematography. From the raw, desperate energy of *Gun Crazy* to the somber, world-weary tone of *Touchez pas au grisbi*, Eddie Muller is once again curating a collection that proves why film noir remains one of the most beloved and influential genres in cinematic history.
Detail Author:
- Name : Clementine Ullrich
- Username : joshua74
- Email : hand.fermin@gmail.com
- Birthdate : 1995-05-09
- Address : 231 Litzy Fords Lehnerborough, SC 98371-7550
- Phone : (854) 924-6131
- Company : Langosh Inc
- Job : Cement Mason and Concrete Finisher
- Bio : Soluta eum optio ut itaque ut eius voluptas. Corporis natus est voluptatem consequatur nobis animi quod.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/jasmin_xx
- username : jasmin_xx
- bio : Autem sed voluptas facere ex voluptatem ea.
- followers : 169
- following : 2926
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@buckridgej
- username : buckridgej
- bio : Aperiam dolor pariatur est enim sed iusto. Numquam impedit ipsam maiores.
- followers : 491
- following : 1542
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/jasminbuckridge
- username : jasminbuckridge
- bio : Sint ullam rerum voluptas et.
- followers : 1299
- following : 935
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/jasmin.buckridge
- username : jasmin.buckridge
- bio : Consectetur doloribus illo ex. Nam et aut aut eius ducimus iure vitae voluptas.
- followers : 6123
- following : 1309
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/jbuckridge
- username : jbuckridge
- bio : Iusto mollitia voluptate molestias sed. Quos provident est molestias eius quidem non perspiciatis. Eum sunt nulla qui.
- followers : 2261
- following : 2602
