Pitfall
Overview
Based on Jay Dratler's novel THE PITFALL, André de Toth's gripping film is a classic L.A. noir in the tradition of DETOUR, and shows the spiraling, epic consequences resulting from one fateful decision. John Forbes (Dick Powell) is bored with his routine job at Olympic Mutual Insurance Company and craves adventure beyond his stable home with his loving wife, Sue (Jane Wyatt), and their young son. Forbes gets his wish when he takes over an embezzlement case from sinister private detective and ex-cop, MacDonald (Raymond Burr), and meets sultry, blonde dress model, Mona Stevens (Lizabeth Scott). Forbes must repossess gifts given to Mona by jailed embezzler Bill Smiley (Byron Barr), but instead finds himself spending an afternoon on Mona's boat, the aptly named Tempest. One rendezvous leads to another, but trouble swiftly arrives for the lovers when the jealous MacDonald begins stalking Mona and threatening Johnny. As Mac's sadistic obsession grows, and the day of Smiley's release from prison approaches, Mona fears for her safety and Johnny longs for his lost respectability. De Toth delivers a dark cautionary tale about the consequences of betrayal and grass-is-always greener syndrome, with smart, snappy dialogue and a surprising finale.
Awards:
Main Cast & Crew:
André De Toth - Director
Andre DeToth - Director
Dick Powell
Lizabeth Scott
Jane Wyatt
Raymond Burr
Byron [S.] Barr
Jimmy Hunt
Selmer Jackson
Byron Barr
Gig Young
Selmar Jackson
Details
- Format: DVD
- Run Time: 88
- Color Format: B&W
- UPC: 874757048390
- Genre: MYSTERY / SUSPENSE / THRILLER
- Rating: Not Rated
- Release Date: November 2012
Movie Reviews
Notes:
Dick Powell (John Forbes) produced and directed several films -- one of which, THE CONQUEROR, was filmed near an atomic test site in Utah and lead to most of the film's cast and crew -- including John Wayne, Susan Hayward, and Powell himself – developing cancer as a result.
Raymond Burr (MacDonald) played villains in most of his film roles (THE BLUE GARDENIA, REAR WINDOW), but was cast against type in the popular PERRY MASON television series.
Jane Wyatt (Sue Forbes) was probably best known for her role on the long running 1950s/1960s television series, FATHER KNOWS BEST.
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