Movie spotlight
Strange Bargain
Bookkeeper Sam Wilson learns from his boss, Malcolm Jarvis, that he is losing his job because the company is closing down. Jarvis then makes a strange proposition, saying he intends to commit suicide but wants Sam to make it look like a murder, in order for his wife and son to inherit Jarvis's life insurance. Sam declines, but when he goes to see Jarvis and finds his dead body, he reluctantly goes along with the scheme.
Insights
Plot Summary
A desperate accountant, Arthur Holloway, needs money to pay for his ailing son's operation. He makes a dangerous deal with a menacing racketeer, 'The Duke', to embezzle funds from his company. The situation escalates when Holloway discovers the money is linked to a murder, forcing him into a precarious game of survival.
Critical Reception
Strange Bargain is a lesser-known but effective noir thriller that benefits from its tight pacing and a compelling moral dilemma at its core. While not a critical darling upon release, it has gained a following among noir enthusiasts for its suspenseful plot and solid performances, particularly from Robert John Evans as the conflicted protagonist.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its suspenseful and intricate plot.
Robert John Evans delivers a strong performance as a man under immense pressure.
The film's noir atmosphere is effectively crafted, though some plot points can feel convoluted.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older title, but it is generally appreciated by those who discover it for its suspenseful narrative and classic film noir elements.
Fun Fact
The film was originally released as 'The Crooked Path' before being re-released as 'Strange Bargain'.
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