Noir City: My True Story
February 17, 2025
Mickey Rooney directed this unusual drama, produced in association with True Story magazine. Helen Walker (Nightmare Alley) gives a fantastic performance as an ex-con who gets railroaded into working with a gang of thieves who are after an unusual payoff—a supply of myrrh, the secret ingredient used in “Temptation” perfume.
Due to unforeseen technical challenges, all scheduled 35mm Noir City screenings will now be presented digitally.
Passes: $158 | $133 SIFF Members
Individual Tickets: Select showtime to purchase.
Note: Reserved seating is not available for Noir City. Members: Make sure to sign in to your SIFF account before selecting showtimes and passes.
SIFF year-round passes are not valid for these screenings. Vouchers are being accepted.
In the midst of his halcyon days as one of the busiest talents in show business, Mickey Rooney directed this unusual drama produced in association with True Story magazine. Helen Walker (Nightmare Alley) gives a fantastic performance as a paroled ex-con who gets railroaded into working with a gang of thieves who are after an unusual payoff—a supply of myrrh, the secret ingredient used in “Temptation” perfume. Walker is hired as a companion to Madame Rousseau, the elderly recluse who controls the supply, and she’s coerced into pilfering the stash any way she can. A true rarity, never before screened at Noir City (or any other place we know of), it’s a showcase for Walker, one of the most talented and tragically ill-fated actresses of the era. Note courtesy of Noir City.
- Director: Mickey Rooney
- Principal Cast: Helen Walker, Willard Parker, Elisabeth Risdon
- Country: USA
- Year: 1951
- Running Time: 67 min.
- Producer: Milton Feldman
- Screenplay: Brown Holmes, Howard J. Green
- Cinematographers: Henry Freulich
- Editors: Richard Fantl
- Music: Mischa Bakaleinikoff
- Language: English
- Format: 35mm
- US Distributor: Sony Pictures Repertory