The Trap
The Trap

Movie spotlight

The Trap

1946
Movie
62 min
English

When a troupe of showgirls with their impresario and press agent vacation at a Malibu Beach resort, two of them are garroted. Charlie takes on the case assisted by Number Two Son Jimmy and faithful chauffeur Birmingham Brown.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: Edgar G. UlmerGenres: Crime, Film-Noir, Thriller

Plot Summary

A veteran returning from the war finds himself in a desperate situation when he's framed for a murder he didn't commit. He must navigate a treacherous underworld and outwit both the police and the real criminals to clear his name. The investigation leads him through smoky bars, shady characters, and a web of deceit. He finds himself increasingly isolated as he gets closer to the truth, with only a mysterious woman offering any potential hope. The film culminates in a tense confrontation as he seeks to expose the conspiracy and reclaim his freedom.

Critical Reception

The Trap is a lesser-known but appreciated B-movie from the film noir era. While not as critically lauded as some of its contemporaries, it is often praised for its atmospheric direction and gritty portrayal of post-war struggles. Audiences who enjoy classic noir often find it a compelling watch for its effective suspense and Ulmer's distinctive visual style. Its reputation has grown over time among aficionados of the genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric direction and noir sensibilities.

  • Offers a gritty and suspenseful portrayal of a man wrongly accused.

  • A solid, albeit lesser-known, entry in the crime thriller genre.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews is not readily available for this older film.

Fun Fact

Despite its modest production, 'The Trap' is considered one of Edgar G. Ulmer's more accomplished works from his later career, showcasing his ability to create compelling atmosphere on a limited budget.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

A rather underwhelming outing for Sidney Toler as our famous sleuth tying to get to the bottom of a series of grisly murders at a Malibu beach house. Ably, sometimes comically, aided by number two son "Jimmy" and stalwart chauffeur "Birming...