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%

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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

Full Review

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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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

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david c

I really can't add much that hasn't already been said but I really like the part where Fred McMurray leaves Barbara Stanwyck the first time and is so infatuated by her that he drives into a drive up beer place and is served a beer in his car. Ah the good old days when you could go to the Sonic and have a few beers and drive home all in your car

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/04/25

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mark g

Brilliant in every aspect. Taut performances, brilliant direction, excellent script. I would say the movie is perfect except for one small thing. Fred MacMurray wore his actual wedding ring the whole movie, even though his character Walter Neff was single. Wilder realized it halfway through the shooting. Wilder later explained that maybe Neff would be the kind of guy that would portray a married man in order to help close deals. Yeah, I can buy that.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/24/25

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ray m

Simply brilliant! I never tire of it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/20/25

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Lars N

What a tight twisty thrill-ride.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/29/24

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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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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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