Movie spotlight
A newly married man is convicted of murdering a former lover in his apartment, and sentenced to hang. With a payout on his life worth 20,000 pounds, the insurance company sends an investigator to find out the truth.
A hard-boiled detective investigates a series of murders linked to a young woman with a mysterious past. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a web of deceit, blackmail, and hidden identities. The detective finds himself increasingly drawn to the enigmatic woman, blurring the lines between his professional duty and his personal feelings. The investigation culminates in a dramatic confrontation where the truth behind the 'straw man' facade is finally revealed.
The Straw Man is a lesser-known but well-crafted example of a 1950s B-movie noir. Critics at the time noted its atmospheric direction and suspenseful plot, though some found the acting and dialogue to be somewhat standard for the genre. Modern appreciation often highlights its dark themes and efficient storytelling, cementing its status as a cult classic among noir enthusiasts.
Praised for its effective use of noir tropes and suspenseful narrative.
Noted for its atmospheric direction and shadowy cinematography.
Some critics found the performances and script to be conventional for the genre.
Google audience: Audience reception for "The Straw Man" is not widely documented. However, retrospective reviews from film noir aficionados tend to appreciate its gritty atmosphere and intriguing plot, often citing it as a solid entry in the genre's extensive catalog.
The film's director, Don Medford, would go on to become a prolific director of television episodes for shows like 'The Twilight Zone', 'Star Trek', and 'The Fugitive'.
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There's something of the "Armchair Theatre" about this production, much of it seems to be conducted from the sitting position - there is virtually no action at all! Clifford Evans is "Jeff Howard", an insurance investigator who finds himsel...