Double Indemnity

Adapted from the James M. Cain novel, Double Indemnity stands as a film noir classic without peer: a tense and chilling mixture of seduction, vanity, greed and murder. It tells the story of Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray), a greedy and gullible insurance salesman lured into a murder-for-insurance plot by seductive femme fatale Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck). The murder goes as planned, but after the couple's passion cools, each becomes suspicious of the other's motives. The veteran leads give sterling performances, and Wilder's cynical sensibility finds a perfect match in the story's unsentimental perspective.

A new print c/o bfi.

The Dark World of James M. Cain: Film Noir Revisited

Fri 10 - Thu 16 Mar

Double Indemnity is part of The Dark World of James M. Cain: Film Noir Revisited

James M. Cain’s novels of greed, forbidden lust and murder make for perfect film noir, and this is a rare opportunity to catch some classic titles inspired by the author on the big screen.

Also part of The Dark World of James M. Cain: Film Noir Revisited:

• Mildred Pierce Fri 10 Mar
• Ossessione Sat 11 & Sun 12 Mar
• The Postman Always Rings Twice Sat 11 Mar
• Talk: Adapting Cain for the Cinema or How Many Ways can the Postman Ring? Sun 12 Mar
• Double Indemnity Talk Mon 13 Mar

Further information about The Dark World of James M. Cain: Film Noir Revisited