Hollow Triumph (1948)

Thanks for the memories!

Admirable film.

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

There is a saying "The best fragrances came in small bottles" it fit in this picture,"Noir" is one's my favorite kind of movie, just to say only tree reach at high grade 10/10...Naked City,Double indemnity and now The Scar... even a B-movie it's very original an clever plot,the point is a perfect crime and as we all know probably end up seen found any time...but somehow it's didn't happen.. sometimes some situation is going in the wrong direction and the truth will be exposed,but nothing....the suspense is growing along the way...and when he is about to escape....well l'd better watch the movie for yourself!!!Directed by a unknown this movie has been discovered by thousand movie fans who really enjoy the seventh art...this one is perfect example of that many thing to came to surprise us!!Resume:First watch: 2017 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 10

(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.

This movie is also known as THE SCAR and as well THE MAN WHO KILLED HIMSELF. Very interesting crime drama, with top lead actors in Paul Henreid, who plays two roles, and Joan Bennett. Henreid pulls double duty as he plays John Muller, who has been released from prison and goes back to his ways of crime with his old buddies. A gambling club robbery doesn't come off as planned and Muller is on the run with at least part of the money. He meets a psychiatrist that could be his twin, except for a noticible scar on his cheek. With fear of being found by the far reaching gangster he wronged, Muller maims himself and kills Dr. Bartok and assumes his identity. He happens to fall in love with the doc's secretary Evelyn(Bennett), who isn't so fooled by the switch. Once again the plan is flawed. This flick is directed by Steve Sekely and is above average Film-Noir. A very dramatic climax that makes you want to root for the bad guy. (After all he is a thief and a killer). Also in the cast: John Qualen, Herbert Rudley, Charles Arnt, Leslie Brooks, Eduard Franz and a small uncredited role for Jack Webb.

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