The University of West Florida is turning classic crime fiction into community experiences this spring with two free events that promise to transport audiences back to the golden age of detective stories.
Valentine’s Day Goes Noir
UWF’s College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities kicks off its spring programming with a Valentine’s Day twist on Feb. 15, screening the 1934 classic “The Thin Man” at Pensacola Little Theatre. The film, starring William Powell and Myrna Loy as the witty detective couple Nick and Nora Charles, helped define the crime-comedy genre with its sophisticated banter and unconventional sleuthing.
- The 2:30 p.m. matinee offers more than just a movie—attendees get the full classic theatre experience with popcorn, traditional candy, and sodas. It’s free and open to the public.
Live Radio Drama Returns
The highlight of the spring series arrives March 26 with “The UWF Noir Radio Hour,” featuring a live 1930s-style radio drama performance of “The Maltese Falcon.”
- Performed in partnership with WUWF 88.1FM and RadioLive, the show recreates the magic of classic radio broadcasting with actors at microphones, live organ music, period-style commercials, and real-time sound effects.
“There has been a fantastic and really gratifying community response to these events,” said Dr. David M. Earle, professor and dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. “The last few events in this year’s theme shift away from looking at Southern aspects of noir and turn instead to performing it.”
The production brings together students and faculty from UWF’s Communication, English, Theatre, and Dr. Grier Williams School of Music departments. Staged theatre-in-the-round style, the performance encourages audience participation through live reactions, applause, and laughter.
- Registration is required for the March 26 event, with seating limited to 100. The event is free.
Pensacola Noir Continues
These spring events conclude the 2025-2026 Gulf Coast Culture Series theme of Pensacola Noir, which evolved from UWF’s longstanding Experience UWF Downtown Lecture Series. Fall semester featured crime writer roundtables, cemetery tours, and discussions on “Murder, She Wrote’s” cultural impact.
The Gulf Coast Culture Series underscores the college’s mission to enrich, educate and connect the community by celebrating the traditions, stories and creative expressions that make the Gulf Coast extraordinary. Through immersive programming, GCC fosters curiosity, creativity, communication and compassion, bringing the liberal arts to life in new and impactful ways.
For more information on the Gulf Coast Culture Series, visit uwf.edu/gulfcoastculture.