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Double Indemnity

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Double Indemnity

Released Sep 6, 1944

1h 46m

Crime

Drama

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Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

110 Reviews

95%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

In this classic film noir, insurance salesman Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) gets roped into a murderous scheme when he falls for the sensual Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck), who is intent on killing her husband (Tom Powers) and living off the fraudulent accidental death claim. Prompted by the late Mr. Dietrichson's daughter, Lola (Jean Heather), insurance investigator Barton Keyes (Edward G. Robinson) looks into the case, and gradually begins to uncover the sinister truth.

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Critics Consensus

A dark, tautly constructed adaptation of James M. Cain's novel -- penned by Billy Wilder and Raymond Chandler -- Double Indemnity continues to set the standard for the best in Hollywood film noir.

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Wendy Ide

Times (UK)

Arguably one of the greatest works of film noir...

Nov 30, 2023

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Chuck Bowen

Slant Magazine

Double Indemnity is a ruthless and poignant cornucopia of the details that command our lives.

May 26, 2022

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Mary Hunt

Daily Telegraph (UK)

Barbara Stanwyck Is consistently tough throughout and gives an excellent performance.

Feb 17, 2022

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Andy Punter

InSession Film

The joy to be found in Double Indemnity comes not from the plot, which is predictable to anyone that has seen any film noir, but in the trappings and genre elements that hang it all together.

Rated: A

Jul 8, 2024

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David Harris

Spectrum Culture

Wilder explores the seamy underside of the American Dream in many of his films but never addresses it head on like he does in Double Indemnity.

Mar 14, 2023

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Brian Susbielles

InSession Film

Billy Wilder’s sensational noir...

Mar 8, 2023

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Dani G

Entertaining; must see film that became the first great one of Billy Wilder's magnificent career.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/03/25

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Farah R

One of the best classic nior films of the Golden Age of Hollywood, Double Indemnity combines mystery, intrigue, and wit to tell a story with stylish cinematography and terrific perofmrnaces. Despite the hefty dialogue and dragging scenes, its positive attributes work very well.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/13/25

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Emma F

Phyllis and Walter murder her husband for insurance money that leads to a web of mystery and mistrust. This film noir, based on James M. Cain’s book, is ranked among the best American films.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/07/25

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Fer S

A great plot, but way too slow for a movie where we know what will eventually happen right from the beginning. Plus, you will have to ignore a few plot holes.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/27/25

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Tim R

The quintessential film noir that must be watched by every film lover.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/12/25

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Insomniac X

Highly acclaimed noir thriller pays off with style and suspense to spare. While far from perfect -- there are a few hard-to-ignore plot holes, and some of the voice-over narration by Raymond Chandler teeters dangerously close to self-satire by today's standards -- the film works, thanks to a diabolical story and an iconic femme fatale turn from Barbara Stanwyck.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/06/25

Full Review

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Billy Wilder

Director

Fred MacMurray

Walter Neff

Barbara Stanwyck

Phyllis Dietrichson

Edward G. Robinson

Barton Keyes

Porter Hall

Mr. Jackson

Fortunio Bonanova

Sam Garlopis

Double Indemnity: Official Clip - Keyes Smells a Murder

2:59

Double Indemnity: Official Clip - Goodbye, Baby

2:28

Double Indemnity: Official Clip - I Killed Him

2:01

Double Indemnity: Official Clip - I Love You Too

2:54

Double Indemnity: Official Clip - The End of the Line

2:52

Double Indemnity: Official Clip - A Red Hot Poker

2:32

Double Indemnity: Official Clip - How Fast Was I Going, Officer?

1:55

Double Indemnity: Official Clip - Murder's Never Perfect

1:00

Double Indemnity: Official Clip - A Claims Man

2:59

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An In-Depth Breakdown of 'Double Indemnity'

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Synopsis

In this classic film noir, insurance salesman Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) gets roped into a murderous scheme when he falls for the sensual Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck), who is intent on killing her husband (Tom Powers) and living off the fraudulent accidental death claim. Prompted by the late Mr. Dietrichson's daughter, Lola (Jean Heather), insurance investigator Barton Keyes (Edward G. Robinson) looks into the case, and gradually begins to uncover the sinister truth.

Director: Billy Wilder
Producer: Joseph Sistrom
Screenwriter: James M. Cain, Billy Wilder, Raymond Chandler
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 6, 1944, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 1, 2014
Runtime: 1h 46m
Sound Mix: Mono

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