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.
- Nominated for 7 Oscars
- 2 wins & 9 nominations total
- Stage Hand
- (uncredited)
- Pullman Porter
- (uncredited)
- Bit Part
- (uncredited)
- Train Conductor
- (uncredited)
- Conductor
- (uncredited)
- Nettie - Dietrichsons' Maid
- (uncredited)
- Norton's Secretary
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe house used as Barbara Stanwyck's character's home still stands today at 6301 Quebec Drive.
- GoofsWhen Phyllis is listening at Neff's door as he talks with Keyes, Keyes exits into the hallway and Phyllis hides behind the door. The door opens into the hallway which isn't allowed by building codes, even back then, but it does give Phyllis something to hide behind and increases the tension.
- 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 creditsOpening credits are shown over a silhouette of a man on crutches, walking toward the camera.
- ConnectionsEdited into Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid (1982)
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.
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Pacto de sangre
- Filming locations
- 6301 Quebec Drive, Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA(Dietrichson house)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $927,262 (estimated)
- Gross worldwide
- $19,543
- Runtime1 hour 47 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1