Film Review: Double Indemnity (USA 1944) – Film Noir Classic

Content:  In this podcast, we talk about Billy Wilder's film noir classic “Double Indemnity” (1944). The review describes the plot, in which an insurance salesman and a seductive woman plan a murder, and highlights the acting performances. The background of the film noir genre is also highlighted, particularly the role of women and the influence of German Expressionism. We praise the exciting story, the dialog and the direction. We emphasize “Double Indemnity's” status as a film noir classic.  Summary:  Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) is an experienced insurance salesman. He meets the seductive Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck).  Walter begins an affair with Phyllis, who is the wife of one of his clients. Phyllis soon suggests killing her husband in order to get the proceeds of an accident insurance policy. Walter devises a diabolical plan to obtain twice the amount of the insurance on the basis of a double indemnity clause.  When Dietrichson is found dead on a railroad track, the police believe it was an accidental death. However, claims adjuster and Walter's best friend Barton Keyes (Edward G. Robinson) suspects that Phyllis murdered her husband with the help of an accomplice.  “Double Indemnity” is the film adaptation of a novel by James M. Cain. The author became famous for his book “The Postman Always Rings Twice”. This book was also made into a movie. Lana Turner plays the femme fatale.