Noir-Vember: Double Indemnity

Turner Classic Movies host Eddie Muller once said, “I am often asked, ‘What is the definitive film noir?’ and there are only two possible answers: Double Indemnity and Out of the Past.”

He’s right, of course. They don’t call him “The Czar of Noir” for nothing, you mugs.

Double Indemnity scorched movie screens first, released nationwide on July 6, 1944, followed by Out of the Past three years later. Pushing the Production Code to the limit, Double Indemnity delivered a gut-punch of heartless characters, shocking crimes, and sexy scenes that would make your grandparents blush.

The film had an all-star pedigree. Novel by James M. Cain (also known for books-turned-pics like The Postman Always Rings Twice and Mildred Pierce). Script by Billy Wilder (who also directed) and Raymond Chandler (whom Wilder detested, but since English was his second language, he relied on for Chandler’s snappy dialogue). Shot by gifted director of photography John Seitz. Music by Miklos Rozsa.

Most of all, Double Indemnity boasts a killer cast. Barbara Stanwyck as the ultimate femme fatale. Fred MacMurray as a life insurance agent who masterminds a murder. Edward G. Robinson, ditching his gangster persona to play a tenacious claims adjuster. Together, these pros serve up a pulse-racing tale of treachery, obsession and greed that’s often been imitated but never duplicated.

Initially, Stanwyck was reluctant to portray such a stone-cold bad girl. The highest paid woman in the country at the time, she feared tackling such a nasty character would snuff out her movie career. But Billy Wilder challenged her with the question, “Are you an actress or a mouse?” and Stanwyck bit the cheese with gusto.

MacMurray also had misgivings about Double Indemnity, but he wasn’t worried about his image. He simply wasn’t sure he had the chops to portray such a dark dude, after making so many light comedies (“I can’t do that role. It requires acting!”) He finally agreed to do the picture – after exacting this promise from Wilder: “Will you tell me when I’m no good?”

Robinson’s ego nearly cost him what many call his best performance. Yeah, the script was fantastic. He just wasn’t excited about being third-billed in the credits. Fortunately, Wilder made him an offer he couldn’t refuse: Robinson would be paid the same salary as Stanwyck and MacMurray, with more days off. Done. Funny how money talks – and winds up earning Robinson rave reviews.

Like Dashiell Hammett and James M. Cain, Raymond Chandler reigned as one of the top crime writers of the 20^th century. Too bad the guy couldn’t write a screenplay to save his life. Despite Wilder’s frustration with Chandler’s inexperience (and drinking problem), they “only” created one of the greatest film noir dramas in history.

By the way, Double Indemnity includes the only known footage of Chandler in existence. Look for him in this clip, sitting in the hallway and reading a book outside MacMurray's office at the insurance company, about 16 minutes into the picture. Perhaps Chandler was reading one of his own books -- after all, The Big Sleep would be released by Warner Bros. just two years later.