Abracadabra
Abracadabra

Movie spotlight

Abracadabra

1952
Movie
87 min
Italian

Three crooks scheme to swindle a wealthy widow out of her fortune, but their plans are thwarted by the sudden return of her husband who is far from dead.

Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Director: Robert SiodmakGenres: Film Noir, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A man returning from the Korean War finds his life unraveling as he becomes entangled in a dangerous web of deceit and murder. He is drawn into a sinister plot involving his former girlfriend and her new, wealthy husband. As the stakes escalate, he must navigate a treacherous landscape of lies and betrayal to uncover the truth and survive.

Critical Reception

Abracadabra received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with critics often praising its stylish direction and suspenseful atmosphere, though some found its plot convoluted. Over time, it has been recognized as a solid entry in the film noir genre, appreciated for its performances and dark themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its moody atmosphere and stylish noir direction.

  • Robert Mitchum delivers a compelling performance as a man caught in a downward spiral.

  • The intricate plot, while engaging, can be somewhat difficult to follow at times.

Google audience: Audience reception for Abracadabra is generally positive, with viewers appreciating its classic film noir elements, suspenseful storytelling, and strong acting from its lead cast. Some find the narrative complexity a bit challenging, but most consider it a worthwhile and atmospheric thriller.

Fun Fact

The film's original title was 'The Killer That Stalked New York' before being changed to 'Abracadabra', a title that has caused confusion with other films and stage works.

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