Hollow Triumph (1948)

Pursued by the big-time gambler he robbed, John Muller assumes a new identity - with unfortunate results.

Directors:

Steve Sekely, Paul Henreid (uncredited)

Writers:

Daniel Fuchs (screenplay), Murray Forbes (based upon a novel by)

Stars:

Paul Henreid, Joan Bennett, Eduard Franz

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Paul Henreid	...	John Muller / Dr. Bartok
Joan Bennett	...	Evelyn Hahn
Eduard Franz	...	Frederick Muller
Leslie Brooks	...	Virginia Taylor
John Qualen	...	Swangron
Mabel Paige	...	Charwoman
Herbert Rudley	...	Marcy
Charles Arnt	...	Coblenz
George Chandler	...	Aubrey - Assistant
Sid Tomack	...	Artell - Manager
Alvin Hammer	...	Jerry
Ann Staunton	...	Blonde
Paul E. Burns	...	Clerk (as Paul Burns)
Charles Trowbridge	...	Deputy
Morgan Farley	...	Howard Anderson

Storyline

John Muller, medical school dropout and brilliant crook, plans a holdup which goes a little bit wrong, and finds vindictive gambler Rocky Stansyck after him. At the end of his tether, he stumbles onto a lucky chance to assume an impenetrable new identity as psychiatrist Victor Bartok. But irony piles on as Muller finds it's out of the frying pan, into the fire.

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Plot Keywords:

independent film | scar on face | impersonation | damsel in distress | held at gunpoint | 

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Taglines:

Love couldn't hide the secret of his past...or shield them for the end of their future!

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Film-Noir | Thriller

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Film debut of Thomas Browne Henry.

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Goofs

Pre-WWII stock footage of the taxicab that is taking Paul Henreid to the ship includes shots of a taxicab much older than the one which finally pulls up at the dock.

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Quotes

John Muller: What happened? Did he hurt you?
Evelyn Hahn: Do I look hurt?
John Muller: I should say you do.
Evelyn Hahn: Well, don't fool yourself. You don't get hurt these days.
John Muller: No?
Evelyn Hahn: No. It's very simple. You never expect anything, so you're never disappointed.
John Muller: You're a bitter little lady.
Evelyn Hahn: It's a bitter little world full of sad surprises, and you don't go around letting people hurt you.

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Soundtracks

Blue Danube Waltz
(uncredited)
Written by Johann Strauss
Whistled by Muller's workmate at the garage

User Reviews

Zingy Noir With A Pulpy Ending

Lovers of noir will want to check this unusual entry featuring Casablanca's Victor Lazlo (Paul Henreid) in a rare heavy role. One of those cautionary tales which amply illustrates how it's often better to stay on your own shabby lawn than to traipse across the seemingly greener grass of the neighbors. A tad slow at times but it builds to the nice and twisty (if inevitable) climax.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 February 1949 (Mexico)

Also Known As:

The Man Who Murdered Himself

Filming Locations:

Hotel Belmont, 251 S. Hill St., Bunker Hill, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bryan Foy Productions, Pathe Industries

Technical Specs

Runtime:

83 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1