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Pitfall

1948, Movie, NR, 86 mins

Pitfall: Review

Grim suburban film noir starring Powell as a bored insurance salesman who has become dissatisfied with his perfect wife, Wyatt, his ideal son, Hunt, and his job. During an investigation into the illegally gained goods purchased by bank robber Young who is now serving time in jail, Powell meets sleazy detective Burr (in a chilling performance) who is to assist him in recovering the items. The trail of merchandise leads to Scott, who uses Young's loot-bought motor boat for pleasure cruises. Powell informs Scott that all items purchased by Young are going to be confiscated. Disappointed, Scott decides to seduce Powell, who has obviously become infatuated with her, much to the dismay of Burr who had set his sights on the comely blonde himself. Powell succumbs to Scott's charms and the couple have a brief affair. Guilt-ridden, Powell ends the affair, but not before a jealous Burr warns him to stay away. To ensure that the affair will not resume, Burr arranges for Young's release and gets him drunk, filling the robber's head with lurid details of his girl friend's fling with Powell. Scott learns of Burr's plan and warns the insurance investigator, who puts his family to bed and, with a gun in his hand, awaits the robber's arrival. When Young bursts through the door, Powell shoots him dead. Cornered, Powell reveals the tale of the torrid affair to his wife, who is understandably shocked. Meanwhile, Burr kidnaps Scott and forces her to run off with him, but she resists and kills him. Scott is arrested, and Powell is cleared of a murder charge, but his wife ominously states that their life together will never be the same. This disturbing film presents the transformation of an ordinary man from suburban provider and respectable community member to sordid, impulsive philanderer. Where another drama might have left a bright spot open at the ending, the film noir ends with a hopeless declaration of despair. leave a comment