Hard-boiled detective fiction inspired some of Hollywood's darkest films in the 1940s and 50s. These writers and stars epitomized the genre that dwelled in the shadows of the human soul.



Barbara Stanwyck

publication date: Friday, October 7, 2011

category: Movies

clue: Her famous turn as a femme fatale was no accident, regardless of what the contract said.

explanation: Stanwyck starred in Double Indemnity. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Denise Sawicki, Joanna Woods, Erik Bates, Mike Rothstein, and Steve Dunn


Raymond Chandler

publication date: Thursday, October 6, 2011

category: Literature

clue: He started writing so late that it's strange to remember him for his extended farewell.

explanation: Chandler, who started his writing career in mid-life, wrote The Long Goodbye and other important mysteries. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Denise Sawicki, Joanna Woods, Erik Bates, Mike Rothstein, and Steve Dunn


Lauren Bacall

publication date: Wednesday, October 5, 2011

category: Movies

clue: Marrying a co-star twice your age isn't unheard of in Hollywood, whether you have or have not slept with him.

explanation: Bacall married Humphrey Bogart, her co-star in To Have and Have Not and The Big Sleep. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Joanna Woods, Mike Rothstein, Steve Dunn, and Ryan Dunn


Dashiell Hammett

publication date: Tuesday, October 4, 2011

category: Literature

clue: The master of hard-boiled detective fiction eventually grew as thin as the title of one of his most famous works.

explanation: Hammett wrote The Thin Man and other major early works of the genre. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Denise Sawicki, Joanna Woods, Erik Bates, Mike Rothstein, Steve Dunn, Ryan Dunn, and Sarah Kyle


Humphrey Bogart

publication date: Monday, October 3, 2011

category: Movies

clue: The star of the first film noir, soon to be the highest-paid star in the world, didn't mind calling his detective character a spade.

explanation: Bogart starred in The Maltese Falcon. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Denise Sawicki, Joanna Woods, Erik Bates, Mike Rothstein, Steve Dunn, Ryan Dunn, and Sarah Kyle


Other Themes in Fall 2011

9/11 Remembrance

It's been ten years since the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, but Americans have not forgotten the heroes and villains of that day. These five famous figures will forever be associated with September 11, 2001. Go »

Do Overs

These five celebrities were common incorrect guesses for recent goos. Here's your second chance to get each one right. Go »

Arab Spring

Throughout 2011, the Arab world has been in upheaval, with citizens demanding rights and overthrowing long-established dictators. This theme looks at both sides of the regional conflict. Go »

Five Days a Week

The goo game has published a new goo every weekday for the better part of a year now. These five goos were inspired by the weekdays on which each one is published. Go »

Straight-Up Thug Gangstas

To coincide with Celebrity Goo Game being played live this week at GooCon: Villa Ridge, here are five famous St. Louisans, or 'straight-up thug gangstas' as Erik Bates says they prefer to be called. Go »

Corporate Mascots

Not every company needs a public face, but it sure helps to have one in the food business, where personality is king. These five people will forever be associated with the food companies that turned them into mascots. Go »

Monsters' Ball

Happy Halloween! In the spooky spirit of the week, these five actors are known for loving monsters on the big or small screen. It gives a whole new meaning to "things that go bump in the night." Go »

DotComedy

Funeratic isn't your only source for entertainment on the Internet. These five celebrities built an audience online by being silly, sharing humorous stories from their lives, or knowing how to put on a funny show. Go »

Small Stars, Big Dreams

Even actors who have already found success in the entertainment business dream of being movie stars. These five celebrities were once the stars of popular TV shows, then went on to star in hit film series as well. Go »

Fall 2011 Tournament

It's been a long and challenging season of the goo game, but now the music has stopped and some players are about to lose their seat in the game. Only one player will remain at the end of the tournament to be crowned the game's 50th winner. Go »

Fall 2011 Bonus Goos

The tournament is won, and the season is over. Enjoy these last few days of autumn before the winter cold arrives and a new season of Celebrity Goo Game begins. There's no competitive gain for these goos, except a boost to your lifetime score. Go »