A LIFE AT STAKE (1954) [Film Noir] [Drama]
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Watch "A Life at Stake" (1954) [Film Noir] [Drama] - Full Movie! This classic public domain film noir directed by Paul Guilfoyle features Angela Lansbury and Keith Andes in a suspenseful tale of deceit, romance, and danger. This comprehensive synopsis and time-coded guide will enhance your viewing experience of this gripping 1950s drama.
Synopsis:
"A Life at Stake" is a 1954 American film noir that centers around Edward Shaw, a down-on-his-luck architect and builder in Los Angeles. Shaw is approached by Doris Hillman, a seductive former real estate broker, with a business proposal to buy land and build houses, which Doris would then sell using her expertise. Doris's wealthy husband, Gus Hillman, offers to invest half a million dollars into the venture. However, Shaw soon finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue and suspicion as he starts an affair with Doris.
Shaw accidentally discovers that the Hillmans' true interest lies in the $175,000 key man insurance policy he had to take out as part of the business deal, and he becomes convinced that they plan to kill him for the insurance money. The film’s tension escalates as Shaw tries to outmaneuver the Hillmans, culminating in a series of dramatic confrontations.
Plot Details:
Edward Shaw is initially thrilled by the lucrative business proposition from Doris Hillman, but his excitement quickly turns to fear as he uncovers their sinister motives. His suspicions are confirmed when Doris's sister, Madge, reveals that Doris's first husband died under mysterious circumstances. Shaw’s attempts to seek help from the police and the insurance company are met with skepticism, forcing him to take matters into his own hands.
The climax unfolds at a mountain cabin where Doris tries to eliminate Shaw, but a struggle ensues between the Hillmans, resulting in their accidental deaths. The police arrive just in time to find Shaw wounded but alive, with Madge by his side.
Main Cast:
Angela Lansbury as Doris Hillman
Keith Andes as Edward Shaw
Douglass Dumbrille as Gus Hillman
Claudia Barrett as Madge Neilan
Jane Darwell as Landlady
Themes and Style:
"A Life at Stake" is characterized by its classic noir elements: a femme fatale, a hapless protagonist, and a plot filled with deceit and murder. The film uses shadowy cinematography and tight, suspenseful pacing to create an atmosphere of paranoia and danger. Angela Lansbury's performance as the manipulative Doris is particularly notable for its depth and complexity, adding a layer of ambiguity to her character's motivations.
Timecodes for Key Scenes:
00:00:00 - Opening Credits
00:02:30 - Edward Shaw meets Doris Hillman
00:15:00 - Shaw learns about the insurance policy
00:25:00 - Shaw and Doris begin their affair
00:40:00 - Madge warns Shaw about Doris's past
00:50:00 - Shaw's first attempt to escape fails
01:00:00 - The confrontation at the mountain cabin
01:10:00 - The final struggle and the Hillmans' deaths
01:15:00 - Conclusion and police arrival
01:16:00 - End Credits
Film Analysis:
The film's direction by Paul Guilfoyle and the script by Russ Bender capture the essence of post-war American anxiety, portraying a world where trust is scarce and greed leads to ruin. Ted Allan's cinematography enhances the tension with moody night scenes and stark contrasts that are hallmarks of the noir genre. The film's low-budget production values are offset by strong performances and a tightly woven plot that keeps the audience engaged until the final frame.
Reception:
"A Life at Stake" was not widely acclaimed upon its release but has since garnered appreciation for its noir style and Lansbury's standout performance. It remains a fascinating example of independent film production outside the Hollywood studio system, reflecting the era's cultural and economic dynamics.
Enjoy watching this classic film noir and immerse yourself in the thrilling and shadowy world of "A Life at Stake"!
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