The Swindle
The Swindle

The Swindle

1955Movie113 minItalian

Aging small-time conman Augusto works with two younger men: Roberto, who desires to become the Italian Johnny Ray, and Carlo, nicknamed Picasso. Through a series of mishaps and personal entanglements, things go badly for Augusto.

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Insights

IMDb6.0/10
Director: Edmund GouldingGenres: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir

Plot Summary

A down-on-his-luck con artist attempts to swindle a wealthy widow, but finds himself caught between her affections and the dangerous consequences of his schemes. As his lies escalate, he must navigate a treacherous path, risking everything for a chance at a better life. The film explores themes of deception, ambition, and the blurred lines between genuine emotion and calculated manipulation.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Swindle' received mixed to negative reviews, with critics largely dismissing it as a derivative and uninspired crime drama. While some acknowledged the attempt at noir atmosphere, the film was often criticized for its predictable plot and underdeveloped characters. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, failing to make a significant impact at the box office or garner lasting acclaim.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film suffers from a predictable plot that lacks originality.
  • Characters are thinly drawn and fail to elicit audience investment.
  • Despite a noir setting, it doesn't capture the genre's typical tension or style.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for 'The Swindle (1955)' is not readily available, suggesting it did not generate significant public discussion or a substantial number of user-submitted ratings or comments on the platform.

Fun Fact

The film was one of the last directed by Edmund Goulding, a director known for melodramas like 'Grand Hotel' and 'Dark Victory', making this crime noir a departure from his typical style.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

I had no idea, until recently, that Broderick Crawford had ever done this film and he's really quite good. He ("Augusto") leads a trio of grifters who take the low hanging fruit. They have no scruples about robbing the vulnerable, ordinary ...