Arthur Lyons

Arthur Lyons, director of the annual Palm Springs Film Noir Festival with his wife Barbara, has died. He was 62.

The author and screenwriter had a deep connection with film noir, always wearing a familiar grey fedora to screenings and inviting the stars of the eerie black and white films to discuss their roles on stage during a question and answer session with him.

From an e-mail from the Palm Springs Hospitality Association:

We're very saddened to report that Arthur Lyons passed away. Of course all our thoughts go out to Barbara and family at this time. He was a friend to many of us and gave valuable service to our community both as a city council member and through his Film Noir Festival. We will miss him.

Last May, he told The Press-Enterprise that he makes an effort to find obscure films that those who attend the festival may never see again.

"I'm like a paleontologist. I'm digging up bones, and I love it," he said then.

Links:
Arthur Lyon Interview

Death on the Cheap by Arthur Lyons

-- Kimberly Pierceall
kpierceall@PE.com

2 Comments

michele miola on March 26, 2008 12:55 PM said:

Hi,
I understand Barbara is still doing the noir fest in May. Do you know the exact dates? I have not been able to find them anywhere and the website is out of date. Thank you

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GORDON BARTEE on March 27, 2008 5:13 AM said:

I was saddened to hear of the death of the director of the Film Noir Festival.

It was disappointing when Eleanor Parker cancelled a few years ago due to illness. A committee should be formed to honor her and screen an old black and white film at the Film Noir Festival such as "Madison Avenue". Just to see her in person and on stage would be the thrill of a lifetime.

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