Hollow Triumph (1948)

One of my all time favorites.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

Excellent example of an interesting story albeit a bit convenient . Still I really enjoyed this low budget film noir . 4.5 out of 5. In this forgotten film noir gem, a crook (Paul Heinreid) on the lam after a casino robbery gone wrong thinks he's found the perfect deep cover when he assumes the identity of a psychologist (Heinreid in a double role) who is his perfect double. But when his nefarious scheme to take the innocent doctor's place goes wrong, it proves that in film noir, you can postpone your fate, but you can't escape it.

The cinematography alone would make it a 10/10. Screenplay -1. A gem.

Always specify John Alton if you want moody, inventive lighting, and this movie highlights Alton at his best. What Alton can do to an empty movie sound stage has to be seen to be believed. But even when used on actual locations, his camera-work is just as startling. It's hard to believe the director is Steve Sekely, but maybe the old Hollywood adage that even the lesser directors had at least one good movie in them, is true. Of course, the acting is really memorable too. Paul Henreid does most capable work with his dual role, and even lesser lights like Mabel Paige have their memorable moments. In fact, the movie is chock-a-block full of fascinating character vignettes. I could list them all here, but why not just make your way back to the credits!

"Hollow Triumph" AKA "The Scar". This one is very dirty, dark and a pretty good watch. It's better than I anticipated. You won't find cutesy comedy thrown in for good measure in this one. Not a wasted scene. One of the better lesser known film noirs I've seen.The film is a case of a man taking on a double identity. John Muller is a drop out medical student that turns to a life of crime. One day he steals money from a big time gambling crook Rocky Stansyck and finds himself on the run. As luck would have it John Muller found out his Doppelgangers' name, job and more and took his identity - Dr. Bartok. Muller finds that living the life of a two men isn't easy and that he's in double trouble.7/10