Alfred Hitchcock

Anthony

Mann

Fritz

Lang

John

Huston

Otto Preminger

Billy

Wilder

Edward Dmytryk

Jules

Dassin

Robert Sidomak

Orson

Welles

These ten directors defined the film noir narrative. Their films were rought with suspicion, intrigue, and bold and unpredictable characters. Directors were not allowed to get behind the camera during these years; the role of a director was to coach the actors and move the story forward. Many people credit this hierarchy with having the positive effect of a more compelling story structure.