The Blonde On The Street Corner
Philadelphia's David Goodis authored noir novels of awesome bleakness. 1954's The Blonde On The Street Corner certainly adds to the reputation. With minimal plot, this is a slice of life study observing a circle of down-and-out men (and the people around them) who spend their time hanging out on the streets of North or Northeast Philly, circa 1936. I would say these friends are young men, but they are rapidly sliding down the chute to middle-age, which makes their inertial loserhood all the more depressing. No future, indeed. Goodis renders it all in deadpan detail, from inane conversation to sudden outbursts of fury. Sad stuff, but worth it, every step of the way. You want noir? This is noir.
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