Hard-boiled, fedora-sporting gents in a tight spot? Double-crossing dames who have slinking quietly into a room -- and the wrong man's heart -- down pat? Noir is one of the genres LA has always owned, thanks in large part to author James M. Cain. Now it is time to dig out your fedora as the lit-smart folks at Esotouric flick the light switch on Cain's dark works, including the novels "Double Indemnity" and "Mildred Pierce" (and if you don't have a fedora, isn't it time you buy one?).
The four-hour tour is fraught with behind-the-scenes stories inspired by one of noir's fathers, as well as the scandalous characters and movies his books wrought. Expect to see places with strong ties to Cain's crime-riddled tales, including a visit to the historic Glendale Train Station (a landmark for fans of Billy Wilder's "Double Indemnity").
We sometimes fancy ourselves students of LA-ana from the '20s and 1930s, but we're pipsqueaks compared to the extremely knowledgeable people behind Esotouric. If you're also a fan of the era that spawned a more sinister chapter in our sunshine-y city, sign up, then pull on your seamed stockings and some Stanwyckian shoulder pads. Dressing up is encouraged on this juicy, tidbit-laden tour.
Saturday, November 8, 12-4PM
$58
Meet at Philippe's the Original, 1001 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles
310-995-4591 (Phone ahead to reserve a spot on the tour)
