Movie 19 - "Double Indemnity"

Today's movie is the first film noir of this project, "Double Indemnity" directed by Billy Wilder.  This stars Fred MacMurray as Walter Neff and Barbara Stanwyck as Phyllis Dietrichson.  Fred MacMurray was known for playing romantic comedies and later as a screwball comedian in movies such as, "The Absent Minded Professor" and "The Shaggy Dog".  Barbara Stanwyck, of course, was a film noir queen!  She seemed made for this type of film.  That deep voice and unique look made her a great femme fatale.  Edward G. Robinson costarred as Walter's boss, Mr. Keys, at the insurance agency.

In this flick, Walter is a single insurance salesman who gets pulled into an insurance murder scheme by the mistreated and mysterious wife of a businessman, Phyllis.  Walter and Phyllis quickly come up with a murder plot for Phyllis' husband where she will inherit the insurance money, instead of the man's daughter Lola.  The pair follows through with the plan.  For a while, everything seems alright.  That is until Mr. Keys gets a gut feeling that something is wrong.  He never suspects Walter, however, only Phyllis.  Mr. Keys does everything in his power to catch Phyllis red-handed.  In doing so, Walter finds out Phyllis never cared about him.  She used him and everyone else.  She murdered her husband's first wife, too.  When Walter goes to confront her, she shoots him.  Before she shoots him again, Walter shoots her twice, and kills her.  He then goes to the office and records a full confession to Mr. Keys.  He is bleeding, only wanting to make it to the border.  He makes it to the doorway of his office building before collapsing.  Mr. Keys has found Walter by now and calls for police and ambulance.  The two have a moment and the film fades.

This film is shot in retrospect.  It begins with Walter recording his confession after being shot.  So we know it isn't going to end well.  But the story takes a few twists and turns and tries to keep you guessing.  Film noir has never been my favorite genre.  However, this film is a wonderful example.  The acting is great, as are the story and directing by Billy Wilder, who had to convince Fred MacMurray to take the part.  Edward G. Robinson, who was used to playing leads, also took some time to join the cast.  They were a good fit for each other, and Barbara Stanwyck rounded thing out nicely.  Two thumbs up!