Double Indemnity (1944)

New episode out now! We cover one of Hollywood’s most famous noir films, Double Indemnity (1944). We pick apart the moral quandaries and decisions of the main characters, discuss the banter inherent in these types of films, and debate whether or not certain acts took place offscreen. We talk about how the people in these movies seem to fall in love extremely quickly, wonder exactly when Neff created the insurance fraud scheme in his mind, call out the racial stereotyping, and someone laments the continued presence of Raymond Chandler in our podcast. We compare this movie to a few other films we’ve covered, comment on the sheer amount of cigarette action, and reveal who the actual coolest person in the movie is. Katy is a big fan of a short tie with a high pant, Carrie loves a dictaphone, Maddy thinks that crab mouth parts are incredible, and Mack tells a story about searching for a house. We debate whether lighting a match is code for something, admire actuarial tables, try to decide if we would live in a house where we knew a death had just happened, and appreciate the loosening of relationship deal-breakers since the 1940s. We also talk about autocannibalism, how phone numbers worked, old Hollywood bloopers, and the price of real estate. Give it a listen to hear us all try at least one accent!

TW: Death by suicide, age difference in ambiguous relationship, infidelity, racism

Show Notes:

• Katy was thinking of the NATO phonetic alphabet

• YouTube Links to Old Hollywood Bloopers:  CLASSIC MOVIES Bloopers (1930-50), Old Hollywood Bloopers,  Vintage Hollywood BLOOPERS - Best Compilation 

• ”Why Did Old Phone Numbers Start With Letters?” - by Nick Greene for Mental Floss 

• ”The awakening of Norman Rockwell” by Tom Carson for Vox which includes the quote “The Post banned illustrations showing African Americans in anything other than menial roles” which is what Katy was thinking of