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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
Product Description
Classic adaptation of James M. Cain's hardboiled noir novel by director Billy Wilder and writer Raymond Chandler. Insurance salesman Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) calls at the house of femme fatale Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck) in order to renew her husband's insurance policy. An immediate attraction sparks between the two, and gradually Phyllis seduces Walter into conspiring with her to murder her husband, now provided with a double indemnity insurance clause. The murder is carried out as planned, but the couple then find themselves growing increasingly suspicious of each other as they get closer to collecting the money. When Walter's boss, relentless investigator Barton Keyes (Edward G. Robinson), starts to look into the policy, Walter and Phyllis' steely resolve begins to falter.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
55 of 56 people found the following review helpful
By Jeff Markham
Format:DVD
Along with Tourneur's OUT OF THE PAST (1947), Billy Wilder's DOUBLE INDEMNITY is the definitive film noir, a masterpiece that rewards countless viewings and proved hugely influential. Virtually remade as BODY HEAT in 1981, and the inspiration for any number of sweaty, neo-noir pale imitations, this brilliant film remains the real deal and unsurpassed.
Wilder's fractious collaboration with the great Raymond Chandler produced a wonderful screenplay, dripping with sharp dialogue and fatalistic symbolism, whilst the performances of the three leads - FRED MacMURRAY, BARBARA STANWYCK and EDWARD G ROBINSON - are faultless and represent their finest screenwork. Stanwyck's marvellously cold, cyncial and manipulative femme fatale remains the template for all that followed and her tart as a lemon dialogue exchanges with MacMurray's bluff, self-confident Insurance Claims Investigator are amongst the greatest in any film.
To add to these elements JOHN F. SEITZ, one of film noir's finest cameramen, creates visual poetry from the sunlight streaming through Californian windows and shadows of forboding during the beautifully staged murder sequence.
Come to think of it, this isn't just one of the greatest film noirs ever made, it's simply one of the greatest films ever made, period. If you haven't seen it, buy it now, if you had it on VHS from a long ago TV screening, still buy it as this print is excellent and probably the best available, although there's a disappointing lack of extras on the DVD.
36 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I`ve been waiting for this classic to be released ever since i bought a dvd player! Billy wilder has to be one of cinema`s finest director`s ever,it`s hard to pick his best work what with sunset boulevard,some like it hot & ace in the hole (hopefully the next in line for a dvd release) among others but if someone put a gun to my head i`d have to say double indemnity.Being a big fan of old movies & in particular film noir this one is simply perfect,great script(co-scripted by Raymond chandler himself),superb acting from the three leads & great cinematography.If your into old movies & film noir trust me you need to see this,even if there are no extras.
27 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
At last , Billy Wilder's work is coming to region 2. This 1944 film noir sees Fred MacMurray playing insurance agent Walter Neff , who becomes involved with black widow - Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck). Cue: double crossing, hard boiled dialogue , much match striking by human thumb and a scene stealing performance by Edward G Robinson as Barton T Keyes. This film just sizzles along and is not to be missed. Double Indemnity was oscar nominated for best picture and director. Unfortunately it lost out , however , Wilder would return the next year with The Lost Weekend which took best picture , director and actor (Ray Milland). When Billy Wilder died in 2002 the world lost a brillaint film director - thank fully his legacy lives on.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
After reading all the movie reviews on here, why can't anyone give the blu ray review? Here is what I think:
14 April 2013
By Monty
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
We all know this is classic film noir. We all give this movie five stars. But I feel mislead when I read all these reviews on here and not one detailing the blu ray itself. Well, I took the chance and I feel Eureka blew it on this one. They should have held out until a better print or the original negative was found, something! The print they used does look better than what has been released so far on the home video market, but it could look a whole lot better. For the most part the detail looks astounding, while others it has flicker problems (especially toward the brilliant ending) where it becomes a distraction (at least to me). Eureka should have found a print and did a full blown 4K remastering to it. Here in the US, Universal has restored many classics for its 100th anniversary and I am sure this is one of them. Unfortunately they have not released their version on blu ray here in the states. They re-issued the old transfer from the past onto DVD with new packaging (and three other films...sorry, Doris Day movies should not be packaged with such a classic as Double Indemnity). I am not sure if an immaculate print of this film is still around, but I have seen Criterion restore some classics (even older than this one) using 2K and 4K and bringing these classics a new life for us fans. Look at Eureka's brilliant work on Sunrise on blu ray. That film is from 1927 and looks brilliant!! Just depends on the source being used. Hopefully there will be a decent print of Double Indemnity show up from somebody's vault and it can get restored like it needs to be.
This disc is region B locked and with very little in special features (even the menu is one page).
Somebody please restore this masterpiece!!
This disc is region B locked and with very little in special features (even the menu is one page).
Somebody please restore this masterpiece!!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
Having been a fan of this classic film, this blu-ray purchase was essential for me! Good extras and a very good booklet enclosed. However, the transfer is not perhaps as good as I expected? I suppose you have to bear in mind that this movie was shot in 1944! That said, the five stars are for the movie itself. I`d give 3 stars only for the transfer. Still highly recommended.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
Although I am over 70 years of age, I only saw 'Double Indemnity' for the first time when the Blu-ray edition arrived this week. The film is barely younger than I am. Just how I managed to miss it completely all these years is an oversight I'm glad to have finally put behind me. Without reservation, I rank it as one of the best movies I've ever seen.
What a brilliant production: flawless, casting, scriptwriting and directing and sensational black-and-white camerawork. The Blu-ray restoration is not as good as others in my collection, but the storyline is so engrossing that the graininess of the image in some scenes barely distracts from the overall impact of this knockout example of classic Hollywood at its absolute best. Double Indemnity [Masters of Cinema] (Blu-ray) [1944]
What a brilliant production: flawless, casting, scriptwriting and directing and sensational black-and-white camerawork. The Blu-ray restoration is not as good as others in my collection, but the storyline is so engrossing that the graininess of the image in some scenes barely distracts from the overall impact of this knockout example of classic Hollywood at its absolute best. Double Indemnity [Masters of Cinema] (Blu-ray) [1944]
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
"...Pretty, isn't it?"
A beautiful, crisp and clear digital transfer. The documentary and collector's booklet is excellent too. Highly recommend it to old and new fans. Read more
Published 1 month ago by ian keetch
5.0 out of 5 stars
Noir classic
Better people than I have reviewed this film in the past. An absolute classic of its type. Great story and performances.
Published 1 month ago by Edna Tomkins
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pure noir.
This as I just said was pure film noir,at its best. Fred Macmurray, and Barbara Stanwyck were at there top form. What can I say about Eddie Robinson,but just perfect.
Published 2 months ago by LeoMclaughlin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic film noire.
This has to be one of the best 40's film noire. Riviting storyline, and great acting from the leads, especially Edward G Robinson.
Published 2 months ago by Phil
5.0 out of 5 stars
DOUBLE INDEMNITY
Billy Wilder and Raymond Chandler collaborate. This is their adaptation of James M. Cain's novel.
Eve brings Adam an apple. Two lovers plan a perfect murder. Read more
Eve brings Adam an apple. Two lovers plan a perfect murder. Read more
Published 2 months ago by John Griffin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great!
The product arrived very quickly and I am very pleased with the quality of it. Will be buying from here again!
Published 2 months ago by Demi
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Masterpiece!!!!!!!!
This film is a Masterpiece! Everything is perfect! life's deepness simply explained, relationships, integrity to ourselves and the profile of the psychopathic personality. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Zu
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best £3 you will ever spend...
There are many good reviews around for this film so I won't try to do any plot spoilers or go too in depth if you have not seen this film. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mr Baz
5.0 out of 5 stars
As dark as it comes.
There are no special effects, no swearing, no car chases, no nudity, just a deceptively simple idea turned into a brilliant film by the director, the photography and the dialogue... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Peter Smart
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best films of its era
Double Indemnity one of the best films of its era ever made I loved watching it,Waited a long time to find a copy
Published 6 months ago by elizabeth hobson
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