Pitfall

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"A man can be as strong as steel...but somewhere there's a woman who'll break him!"
  • NR
  • 1948
  • 1 hr 26 min
  • 7.1  (4,415)

Pitfall is a film noir released in 1948, directed by André de Toth, and starring Dick Powell, Lizabeth Scott, and Jane Wyatt. The movie is based on the novel The Pitfall by Jay Dratler, and tells the story of a man who falls into a dangerous web of deceit and betrayal after he commits adultery. The plot revolves around John Forbes (Dick Powell), an insurance agent who is disillusioned with his life, his job, and his marriage. He's bored with his life, and one day he meets Mona Stevens (Lizabeth Scott), a model who's trapped in a loveless marriage with a parolee who's determined to control her life. John and Mona are instantly attracted to each other, and they begin an affair.

However, John soon realizes that he's made a mistake, and he tries to end things with Mona. But by this point, it's too late - Mona's husband, Smiley (Byron Barr), has found out about the affair, and he's determined to get revenge. He begins to blackmail John, threatening to reveal his infidelity to his wife Sue (Jane Wyatt) if he doesn't help him with his criminal activities.

John is trapped in a dangerous situation, as he's forced to help Smiley with his criminal activities, while trying to keep his affair secret from his wife. He's also being followed by a private detective named MacDonald (Raymond Burr), who's been hired by Sue to investigate his strange behavior.

As the movie progresses, John's life becomes increasingly complicated, and he's pulled deeper and deeper into a web of deceit and betrayal. He risks losing everything - his job, his reputation, his wife, and even his life - as he tries to extricate himself from his predicament.

Pitfall is a classic film noir, with all the hallmarks of the genre - atmospheric lighting, a moody score, and morally ambiguous characters. The movie explores themes of love, lust, betrayal, and redemption, and it's a fascinating study of the human psyche.

One of the standout performances in the movie is Lizabeth Scott's portrayal of Mona Stevens. Scott is a femme fatale in the classic sense, with a sultry voice, smoky eyes, and a dangerous allure. She's the catalyst for the events that unfold in the movie, and her character is both mysterious and alluring.

Dick Powell is also excellent as John Forbes, the hapless protagonist who's caught in a terrifying situation. He's sympathetic and relatable, and the audience is invested in his fate from the opening scene.

Pitfall is a classic film noir that's not to be missed. It's a gripping and suspenseful movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. With memorable performances from its lead actors, atmospheric cinematography, and a somber score, Pitfall is a must-see for fans of the genre.

Pitfall is a 1948 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.

Pitfall
Description
Where to Watch Pitfall
Pitfall is available to watch free on Plex. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent Pitfall for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1948
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 26 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.1  (4,415)