Simply A Masterpiece

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

An excellent noir thriller. Great acting, plotting, and, especially, great atmosphere. Everything seems to happen at night; in alleys with trucks hurtling inches away like blind monsters, in seedy hotel rooms furnished with mirrors and shadows, and up and down stairways, fire escapes, and tramways.Heinreid plays the flinty criminal who seems just a half step ahead of his pursuers throughout the film, which, tragically, is not quite enough to save him. As in the best noir films, fate toys with the protagonist. The murder of the doctor, Heinreid's doppelganger, backfires--far from insulating him from retribution, it proves unnecessary, multiplying the danger facing him. The murder scene sets up with a montage of haunting images flashing through Heinreid's mind as he drives the doctor to a remote bridge to ditch his body. Joan Bennett, with her droll, world-weary manner, ably reflects the cynical noir tone. Nonetheless, she also represents a redemptive quality which Heinreid eventually realizes he needs. The last scene shows his quest for her love derailed, as the underworld goons finally catch up with him. She was able to escape his world because she never quite let it overwhelm her.

(Flash Review)An intelligent ex-con is released from prison and eager to catch a quick score. He persuades his old small-time crook buddies to go in with him to rob a casino. Even back in the 40's casino's had muscle so of course things don't go as planned. The main guy escapes, while 'the muscle' hunts down others; even out of the country. The main guy spots a look-alike and he takes his life, then his identity. The crux of the movie is not to trust your local photography print maker as the ex-con needs to carve a scar onto his face to match the guy he took his identity from. However, the print shop printed the photo reversed! Whoops! How long can he keep the deception going while he interacts and does the job of this other man? Overall, the story was a bit vague in spots and really great in others. A clever little film noir tale.

Billed as "film-noir", Hollow Triumph (HT) is an interesting character study of a man who has distinct sociopathic inclinations. As John Muller/Dr Bartok, Paul Henreid gives a chilling performance as the leader of group of robbers who sets up a job to rob a casino of its take (an idea given the comedy treatment in Oceans 11, twelve years later). The heist goes badly wrong though, forcing Muller to flee from the mob and two hit men who are ordered to kill him, regardless of how long it takes (another idea already used in The Killers from 1946, from an Earnest Hemingway story).Muller's gang goes separate ways, and Muller flees to a city a long way from that casino and mob.With the killers on the hunt, Muller is saved, so to speak, by deus ex machina: he stumbles upon a doppelganger who looks exactly the same, except for a large scar on one cheek. At the same time, Muller also finds a fast-talking, breezy secretary – Eveln Harn (Joan Bennett) – who is attracted to, yet somewhat also repulsed by, this smoothie chain smoker who has a mysterious background. Women are always too curious, no?Anyway, Muller, always the pragmatist, concocts a scheme to hide from the hit men by posing as Dr Bartok. That involves killing the good doctor – too bad, it's him or me, Muller reasons – and taking over the practice. Conveniently, Muller has a psych background, having studied psychology long ago. He works out how to get the proper scar onto his cheek – and he's in, safe and sound, and making more money to add to the loot he stole from the casino. He even goes to a local casino where Dr Bartok is well known, and has a swell time at the tables – and loses big time, as the real Bartok mostly did.But, the hit men are still searching, and closing in (check out Jack Webb's film debut as one of those bad guys). So, Muller arranges with Evelyn to scarper – leave on a boat to Hawaii and set up there. Muller forgets one crucial thing, however...This story and movie, although clichéd and predictable to a point, is nevertheless an excellent example of a thriller, and well acted by the whole cast; Henreid is perfect casting for the roles – his expressionless face is well suited to a cold, implacable killer and cool, detached psychiatrist. Joan Bennett – not a femme fatale in this story, but a victim of her gullibility and greed – plays the quick-witted go-getter with aplomb.Of special interest are the photography, editing and direction, all three of which are just excellent, with great, dark visuals that evoke appropriate suspense and edge-of-seat anticipation. The movie should be seen for that alone.Give this one eight out of ten. Recommended for all.February 28, 2013

Film noir gangster the hero. Identical doubles that aren't twins with murder and identity theft. Suspend your disbelief and it is fun to watch.I will let the other reviewers give you the detailed synopsis of this fun story. It is good trust me.This movie would get a 10 if the ending had followed the rest of it. But even so this is terrific entertainment that keeps you on the edge of your seat through out.Well shot well acted fun to watch see what happens when conventional goody two shoes preachy Hollywood ethics is (mostly) gone?This is one of the best movies I have watched in a long time.Recommend highly.