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Double Indemnity

  • 1944
  • Approved
  • 1h 47m
IMDb RATING
8.3/10
175K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
3,860
215
Edward G. Robinson, Barbara Stanwyck, and Fred MacMurray in Double Indemnity (1944)
Trailer for Double Indemnity
Play trailer2:16
2 Videos
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Film NoirHard-boiled DetectiveCrimeDramaMysteryThriller

An insurance representative is seduced by a dissatisfied housewife into a scheme of insurance fraud and murder that arouses the suspicion of his colleague, a claims investigator.An insurance representative is seduced by a dissatisfied housewife into a scheme of insurance fraud and murder that arouses the suspicion of his colleague, a claims investigator.An insurance representative is seduced by a dissatisfied housewife into a scheme of insurance fraud and murder that arouses the suspicion of his colleague, a claims investigator.

  • Director
    • Billy Wilder
  • Writers
    • Billy Wilder
    • Raymond Chandler
    • James M. Cain
  • Stars
    • Fred MacMurray
    • Barbara Stanwyck
    • Edward G. Robinson
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.3/10
    175K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    3,860
    215
    • Director
      • Billy Wilder
    • Writers
      • Billy Wilder
      • Raymond Chandler
      • James M. Cain
    • Stars
      • Fred MacMurray
      • Barbara Stanwyck
      • Edward G. Robinson
    • 512User reviews
    • 145Critic reviews
    • 95Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Top rated movie #104
    • Nominated for 7 Oscars
      • 5 wins & 9 nominations total

    Videos2

    Double Indemnity
    Trailer 2:16
    Double Indemnity
    Double Indemnity
    Trailer 1:21
    Double Indemnity
    Double Indemnity
    Trailer 1:21
    Double Indemnity

    Photos118

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    Top cast33

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    Fred MacMurray
    Fred MacMurray
    • Walter Neff
    Barbara Stanwyck
    Barbara Stanwyck
    • Phyllis Dietrichson
    Edward G. Robinson
    Edward G. Robinson
    • Barton Keyes
    Byron Barr
    Byron Barr
    • Nino Zachetti
    Porter Hall
    Porter Hall
    • Mr. Jackson
    Jean Heather
    Jean Heather
    • Lola Dietrichson
    Tom Powers
    Tom Powers
    • Mr. Dietrichson
    Richard Gaines
    Richard Gaines
    • Mr. Norton
    Fortunio Bonanova
    Fortunio Bonanova
    • Sam Gorlopis
    John Philliber
    • Joe Pete
    Lev Abramov
    • Stage Hand
    • (uncredited)
    James Adamson
    • Pullman Porter
    • (uncredited)
    John Berry
    • Bit Part
    • (uncredited)
    Raymond Chandler
    Raymond Chandler
    • Man Reading Magazine Outside Keyes' Office
    • (uncredited)
    Edmund Cobb
    Edmund Cobb
    • Train Conductor
    • (uncredited)
    Kernan Cripps
    Kernan Cripps
    • Conductor
    • (uncredited)
    Betty Farrington
    Betty Farrington
    • Nettie - Dietrichsons' Maid
    • (uncredited)
    Bess Flowers
    Bess Flowers
    • Norton's Secretary
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Billy Wilder
    • Writers
      • Billy Wilder
      • Raymond Chandler
      • James M. Cain
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews512

    8.3174.9K
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    Summary

    Reviewers say 'Double Indemnity' is acclaimed for Billy Wilder's direction, standout performances by Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, and Edward G. Robinson, and its pioneering film noir style. The intricate plot, dark themes, and exploration of human nature are often lauded. Voice-over narration, sharp dialogue, and unique cinematography heighten its suspense. Despite minor pacing issues and plot inconsistencies, its impact on the noir genre and cinema is significant. The lead characters' chemistry and moral complexities are noted for enhancing dramatic tension.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    jet1415

    The Not-So-Perfect Crime

    Double Indemnity begins with a car speeding on a dark, rainy night. This begins the classic film noir plot. Billy Wilder directs a steamy and grabbing film. Billy Wilder pulls this film together with an awesome cast, perfect lighting and an amusing script. Fred MacMurray plays Walter Neff, an unsuspecting insurance salesman. He is unsuspecting in the sense that he is unaware of what the ‘femme fatale' is going to put him up to. Barbara Stanwyck plays the ‘femme fatale', Phyllis Dietrichson, a manipulative housewife who will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

    The film begins in present day giving insight into Walter's current plight. Walter Neff gives the voice over as the plot unfolds. It starts in the present time allowing the audience to know what crime has happened without the interesting details to support it. This is an interesting twist to the common film noir plot. Knowing the crime at hand keeps the audience hungry for those details. Walter is the victim of the beautiful woman who manipulates him into pulling off a murderous insurance fraud scam. Walter is an impeccable insurance salesman and Phyllis, in some ways, forces him into providing her with what she needs. Phyllis is the typical ‘femme fatale' who has no problem in using others to get what she wants.

    Throughout the film Walter is completely enamored by Phyllis. Walter could have coined the pet name ‘baby' with his fondness towards Phyllis by calling her that throughout the film. He is easily distracted by her beauty and evil charm. He seems to be entranced by Phyllis's ankle bracelet, so much that he mentions it numerous times. This allows the audience to feel the sexual tension between the two. Phyllis, on the other hand, shows the audience that she can use and abuse anyone who gets in her way. While believably attracted to Walter, Phyllis keeps him hopping to fulfill her needs. She pulls him in and handles him like a puppet. She is the epitome of the film noir genre's ‘femme fatale'.

    Barton Keyes, played by Edward G. Robinson, is Walter's co-worker and friend at the insurance company where he works. Barton closely investigates all insurance claims that come across his desk. While at one time Walter assuredly agreed with this practice, once Barton starts to unravel the mystery behind Mrs. Dietrichson's insurance claim, we begin to see just how nervous and paranoid Walter is. Walter then begins to see Phyllis in a whole new light. Barton plays the integral part by piecing together details that are thrown around throughout the film. This keeps the tension high for the filmgoer. These details are pieced together perfectly through to the end.

    Double Indemnity has the perfect plot with the perfect cast. Walter and Phyllis' attraction are tasty and the crime is wonderfully puzzling. Double Indemnity is the true film noir giant.
    10jmholmes-73727

    Movie Heaven, Baby

    Barbara Stanwyck changed the trajectory of her career with her ruthless, icy performance here. Fred MacMurray, however, would never again allow himself to duplicate anything similar to Walter Neff's troubled, doomed portrayal again on screen. Playing against their dark alliance, it is left to Edward G. Robinson to win the audience over as he struggles to shed light on the insurance fraud and murder. This script should be studied by anyone who plans to write for TV or movies. Note the significant changes Wilder and Chandler made from James Cain's original novel - changes Cain admitted were improvements. Especially worthy of mention is the level of artistry displayed in the final minutes when, after an hour and a half of of bitter nastiness, Wilder gives us just the smallest spoonful of sugar that wraps everything up perfectly. There's almost something criminal when evil is such a treat to watch.
    10ccthemovieman-1

    Justifiably At The Top Of Most Film Noir Lists

    This is one of the best-liked classic films of all time and I am among that large group of fans as well.

    Few movies have ever had dialog this entertaining.....at least the conversations between Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray. I think it's a big appeal to this movie, except to younger folks who look at it as "cheesy."

    I read the book, Double Indemnity written by James Cain, and was surprised that the film's snappy dialog was not in it. This is one of the rare times when the movie was far better than the book. That's not a shock after you find out that literary giant Raymond Chandler and Hall Of Fame director Billy Wilder combined to write the screenplay,

    For a murder/suspense story, there is very little action, almost none, yet there are no boring lulls. The three main actors - Stanwyck, MacMurray and Edward G. Robinson, are what make this so good.

    MacMurray's narration is fun to hear as he tells the story in flashback, from the beginning by dictating into an old Dictaphone to his co-worker Robinson. The latter is almost mesmerizing in his performance, the way he delivers his lines. He can even make a speech about something as boring as insurance and still keep you riveted to the screen.

    Stanwyck was no sex symbol (at least to me) but she looked great here in the most seductive of 1940s clothing and, like Robinson, has a distinctive voice and accent that keeps your attention.

    This film was the inspiration for the 1980 movie, "Body Heat," starring William Hurt and Kathleen Turner. That, too, was a very, very good movie....but not many films are in the class of this one.
    8ma-cortes

    Absorbing and worthy suspense film about blackmails , killing , corruption and strong intrigue

    Vintage Noir Film with gritty interpretation , atmospheric settings , crackling dialogue throughout and powerhouse filmmaking . This Billy Wilder's first thriller is one of the finest Noir film ever made . A scheming wife (Barbara Stanwyck) lures an insurance salesman (Fred MacMurray , though Alan Ladd, George Raft, Brian Donlevy, James Cagney, Spencer Tracy, Gregory Peck, and Fredric March were all up for the leading role) into helping murder her husband and then declare it an accident . Both of whom concoct a twisted scheme to collect the benefits of a insurance policy . As the hubby's policy contains a clause that states that if the husband's death caused by a moving train the policy pays double face value . The investigator's boss (Edward G. Robinson) , not knowing his colleague is involved in it , suspects murder and sets out to prove it .

    This first-rate and entertaining American classic Noir film draws its riveting tale and power from the interaction of finely drawn roles as well as drama , emotion and moody atmosphere . This classic mystery thriller follows James M Cain's book fairly closely otherwise . Twisted film Noir about murder , troubled relationships , treason , dark secrets , including an unforgettable dialog ; being based on the James M Cain's novel , which in turn was based on the true story of Ruth Snyder, the subject of a notorious 1920s murder trial , being screen-written by the prestigious Raymond Chandler and the same Billy Wilder . However , Billy Wilder and Raymond Chandler did not get along well while writing this film's script, a process that was apparently filled with arguments . As Billy Wilder didn't really get on with the famous novelist whose constant drinking irritated the director . It packs a good realization , an original script , haunting atmosphere , intriguing events ; for that reason madness and murder prevail . Fred MacMurray is superb as insurance salesman coerced into murder plot and Barbara Stanwick as predatory and alluring Femme Fatale is magnificent . Here his colleague Edward G Robinson is extraordinary and as cool as ever ; he plays as the astute and stubborn investigator , his scenes with Fred MacMurray are awesome and at their best . But Edward G. Robinson's initial reluctance to sign on largely stemmed from the fact he wasn't keen on being demoted to third lead . Good support cast formed by notorious secondaries such as Porter Hall , Tom Powers , Jean Heather , Byron Barr and Fortunio Bonanova . And Raymond Chandler's cameo , this marks the only film appearance of screenwriter and novelist Raymond Chandler .

    Exciting as well as complex film , possessing a mysterious and fascinating blend of gripping thriller , serenity , baroque suspense in which especially stands out the portentous performances , evocative cinematography in black and white by John F. Seitz and thrilling musical score by the classic Miklos Rozsa . The motion picture was stunningly directed by the great Billy Wilder , as the American Film Institute ranked this as the #29 Greatest Movie of All Time . The film was nominated for 7 Academy Awards but lost out on the night to Going my way (1944) by Leo McCarey. It got a deep inspiration for other films , it is particularly obvious for ¨Body heat¨ by Lawrence Kasdan with William Hurt , Kathleen Turner and Richard Crenna . Remade for TV in 1954 by Buzz Kulik with Frank Lovejoy , Ray Collins and Laraine Day , and 1973 TV remake of the 1940s classic by Jack Smight with Richard Crenna , Samantha Eggar , and Robert Webber .
    Mmmavis

    best American Film Noir ever made

    "I liked the way that anklet bit into her leg. I wanted to see her again, up close, without that silly staircase between us."--Walter Neff, after meeting Phyllis Dietrichson This is Fred MacMurray like you've never seen him before. He's edgy and sharp, and amoral, although he hides it well from his boss. Barbara Stanwyck's astounding performance set the standard for bad girls in Film Noir for years to come. I love this film because it is a perfect example of how the censorship of the time made it so that filmmakers had to get the sexiness across in a subtle way. This movie is undeniably sexy, and there's not a single 'love scene' in it!

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Author James M. Cain later admitted that if he had come up with some of the solutions to the plot that screenwriters Billy Wilder and Raymond Chandler did, he would have employed them in his original novel.
    • Goofs
      When Walter first kisses Phyllis, a wedding ring can be seen on Walter's hand. Fred MacMurray was married, and the ring was not noticed until post-production.
    • Quotes

      [last lines]

      Walter Neff: Know why you couldn't figure this one, Keyes? I'll tell ya. 'Cause the guy you were looking for was too close. Right across the desk from ya.

      Barton Keyes: Closer than that, Walter.

      Walter Neff: I love you, too.

    • Crazy credits
      Opening credits are shown over a silhouette of a man on crutches, walking toward the camera.
    • Connections
      Edited into Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid (1982)
    • Soundtracks
      Tangerine
      (1941) (uncredited)

      Music by Victor Schertzinger

      Played on a radio

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 6, 1944 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site (United Kingdom)
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Pacto de sangre
    • Filming locations
      • 6301 Quebec Drive, Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA(Dietrichson house)
    • Production company
      • Paramount Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Budget
      • $927,262 (estimated)
    • Gross worldwide
      • $21,026
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 47 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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