Le Film Noir December 3, 2003

First up is the premiere party, with "Elevator to the Gallows," Louis Malle's 1958 thriller with Jeanne Moreau. (By reservation: 404-495-1684; $15; reception at 7:15 p.m.; screening 8 p.m. Thursday).

Here's a day-by-day rundown of the rest of the fest ($5.50 before 6 p.m.; $5.50-$8 after; $27 series pass -- does not include premiere party):

DEC. 5

? "Rififi" (1955; 2:40 and 7:20 p.m.) -- A jewel heist is at the heart of this crime drama with a memorable -- and silent -- robbery that lasts 30 minutes.

? "Bob le Flambeur" (1955; 5:10 and 9:50 p.m.) -- Director Jean-Pierre Melville's drama about an aging gangster and gambler with plans to knock off a casino. The film was remade recently as "The Good Thief" with Nick Nolte.

DEC. 6

? Bob Le Flambeur" (3 and 7:30 p.m.).

? "Tchao Pantin" (1983; 5:10 and 9:40 p.m. -- An alcoholic gas station attendant seeks revenge when his friend, a drug dealer, is killed.

DEC. 7

? "Tchao Pantin" (2:45 and 7:30 p.m.).

? "Any Number Can Win" (1963; 5 and 9:40 p.m.) -- A casino caper movie from director Henri Verneuil.

DEC. 8

? "Any Number Can Win" (2:20 and 7:20 p.m.) --

? "Purple Noon" (1960; 4:50 and 9:50 p.m.) -- Director Rene Clement's stunning version of "The Talented Mr. Ripley" is far superior to Anthony Minghella's more recent film.

DEC. 9

? "Purple Noon" (2:55 and 7:20 p.m.).

? "Shoot the Piano Player" (5:25 and 9:45 p.m.) -- François Truffaut's 1960 romantic thriller about a one-time virtuoso now playing piano in a bar.

DEC. 10

? "Shoot the Piano Player" (3:25 and 7:30 p.m.).

? "Elevator to the Gallows" (5:25 and 9:30 p.m.).

DEC. 11

? "Elevator to the Gallows" (2:55 and 7:30 p.m.).

? "Riffi" (5 and 9:35 p.m.).

The festival will be followed by a weeklong run of a new 35mm print of Jacques Becker's 1953 thriller "Hands off the Loot."