Double Indemnity

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Double Indemnity

Released Sep 6, 1944

1h 46m

Crime

Drama

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Popcornmeter

97%

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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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Mason M

Double Indemnity is often considered the essential noir film for a reason. This is an amazingly written and executed thriller, that's soaked with suspense and amazing dialogue.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/09/24

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Andrew L

Considered to be one of the top two best film noir films ever made ("The Maltese Falcon" being the other one), this movie is about an insurance agent who falls in love with his client's wife and the two of them try to get away with murder and insurance fraud.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/06/24

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Petros T

Right at the start, "Double Indemnity" makes sure to tell us what happens at the end; not only does that not diminish our interest, but as the film unfolds, it might even heighten it in anticipation of seeing how it will all fall into place. There's enough intrigue and twists to keep you guessing, and the three main actors stick to their guns, with Stanwyck in particular offering a captivating turn. Wilder might've been unaware of film noir, but this film's commitment to the style is undeniable.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/04/24

Full Review

C Riley H

Barbara Stanwyck was only five foot five. And Fred MacMurray was heads taller. But when she began to act, she literally filled the screen. You want to binge watch over a weekend or maybe a whole week? Watch all of Barbara Stanwyck's movies; save the television productions for another week. You'll understand why many, myself included, still think she was film's best actress ever. Watch Stella Dallas and tell me you didn't cry. And, yeah, she was hot coming down that staircase in Dbl Indem; plenty hot.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/29/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Saw this for a film class in college that I had to take as an elective and was not looking forward to it. Turned out to be a fantastic movie that is something everyone should watch. Fantastic movie!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/06/24

Full Review

Mark D

Wonderful movie. Great pace, music, lighting and dialogue. If you like Raymond Chandler, you have to watch this.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/14/24

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

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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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