The Pretender

19471947
ApprovedApproved
1h 9m

IMDb RATING

6.4/10

359

YOUR RATING

Crime Drama Film-Noir

Banker Kenneth Holden (Albert Dekker) steals funds from an estate and decides to marry the heiress, Claire Worthington (Catherine Craig), to safeguard his position. He arranges for her fianc... Read allBanker Kenneth Holden (Albert Dekker) steals funds from an estate and decides to marry the heiress, Claire Worthington (Catherine Craig), to safeguard his position. He arranges for her fiancé to be killed but does not state the fiancé's name. Claire, meanwhile, has a change of he... Read allBanker Kenneth Holden (Albert Dekker) steals funds from an estate and decides to marry the heiress, Claire Worthington (Catherine Craig), to safeguard his position. He arranges for her fiancé to be killed but does not state the fiancé's name. Claire, meanwhile, has a change of heart and marries Holden, so he now becomes the target of the killer and attempts to cancel ... Read all

IMDb RATING

6.4/10

359

YOUR RATING

Director
- W. Lee Wilder
Writers
- Don Martin(original screenplay)
- Doris Miller(additional dialogue)
Stars

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Storyline

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Trivia
A rare starring role for Catherine Craig.

Goofs
When Kenneth Holden leaves his house in his car it is early evening, but the car that chases immediately after him is shown in total darkness.When he looks back he is being pursued in early evening again, and the chase ends in total darkness.

Connections
References Citizen Kane (1941)

User reviews12

Review

Featured review

6/10

You're fired

Dodgy financial swindler Albert Dekker (Holden) wants to get rid of the fiancé of wealthy Catherine Craig (Claire) so that he can step in and bag himself a fortune. He's not sure who the intended groom is but approaches nightclub owner and gangster Alan Carney (Victor) to take him out whoever he may be. Problems begin when Craig dumps her intended and agrees to marry Dekker in a quick wedding that gets plastered over the newspapers. The hit-man now knows who to go for – Dekker has unintentionally taken out a hit on himself! He tries to put things right with Carney but things get worse and we watch as he spends the rest of the film in total paranoia. Who's coming after him? When's it going to happen? How is it going to happen?

This film started a little slow but once the premise has been set up, the film gets a purpose and we watch to see how things will pan out. The film keeps you guessing and Dekker is good in the lead role. In real life, Dekker's death is a fascinating mystery that I recommend you read up on. It goes beyond auto-erotic asphyxiation as suggested. Someone seriously didn't like him! No S&M in this film, though, so you'll be disappointed if that's what you are watching for.

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