Product Description

Director Billy Wilder (Sunset Boulevard) and writer Raymond Chandler (The Big Sleep) adapted James M. Cain's hard-boiled novel into this wildly thrilling story of insurance man Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray), who schemes the perfect murder with the beautiful dame Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck): kill Dietrichson's husband and make off with the insurance money. But, of course, in these plots things never quite go as planned, and Barton Keyes (Edward G. Robinson) is the wily insurance investigator who must sort things out. From the opening scene you know Neff is doomed, as the story is told in flashback; yet, to the film's credit, this doesn't diminish any of the tension of the movie. This early film noir flick is wonderfully campy by today's standards, and the dialogue is snappy ("I thought you were smarter than the rest, Walter. But I was wrong. You're not smarter, just a little taller"), filled with lots of "dame"s and "baby"s. Stanwyck is the ultimate femme fatale, and MacMurray, despite a career largely defined by roles as a softy (notably in the TV series My Three Sons and the movie The Shaggy Dog), is convincingly cast against type as the hapless, love-struck sap. --Jenny Brown. *** Imported from S. Korea *** Original English language *** Optional Korean subtitle ***

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #78311 in DVD
• Formats: Dolby, Import, NTSC, Mono, Full Screen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: Korean
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 107 minutes

Customer Reviews

"The Queen of Sass" in the role of a lifetime!
Double Indemnity is one of those rare gems in Old Hollywood History. The film stars Barbara Stanwyck,(my idol) as a woman fed up with her husband and wants rid of him- with the help of an insurance salesman- Walter Neff aka "Walta". Fred MacMurray's usual golden boy image in films is transformed into a man who would do anything for a blonde in an ankle bracelet. The usual mobster in pictures, Edward G. Robinson, plays the honest claims adjuster, who has no idea just how things will transpire. Buy this movie, if not for the "action and drama", but for Barbara's sly and sassy line delivery, with her delightful polished Brooklyn accent. The film was directed by Billy Wilder in 1944.

Sara E. Jordan, (also a Barbara S. fan)

The GREAT Billy Wilder gets his first recognition
"Double Indemnity" is a trend-setter. Wilder got his first of many deserved Oscar nominations for this early foray into the realm of "noir". Indeed, Stanwyck was amazing (Oscar nominated) and Fred MacMurray held his own against her strong performance. Never nominated, MacMurray is one of those reliable actors of the illustrious past who was worthy of a Lifetime Achievement Award (don't forget the enjoyable films he made with Disney, just before he was a household name on "My Three Sons") Here, he shows range, depth and focus as the ultimate conflicted anti-hero. I applaud him, even though his peers didn't. Also, cast against type, was the great Edward G. Robinson (also never nominated) in another reliably solid role. (At least HE received a Lifetime award). The tension builds, and we are drawn in by these unlikable characters, and not really surprised by the outcome; yet, Wilder's build-up toward this end is utterly fascinating. Lawrence Kasden's film "Body Heat" was a fine update of this theme, though he tried too hard for tension, when Wilder's version and script had it in your face. The greatest thing is that you find yourself sympathetically involved with these reprehensible characters, and then hate yourself afterwards for doing so. Isn't that wonderful? This, to me, is artistry and real talent. It's almost as much fun as being duped by Charlie Chan or Agatha Christie.But different...and a fun ride.

Another classic film noir
What can be said about Double Indemnity that has not already been said. Great casting of Fred MacMurray against type as the eventual bad guy. Don't look for My Three Sons here. Barbara Stanwyck is great as the fiery ice goddess that makes Fred MacMurray give his life up. Edward G. Robinson is great as the dogged insurance investigator that works with Fred MacMurray. The plot is tightly wound with moments of reral thrills. This is one example you should not miss.