Tag Archives: Pitfall

Pitfall (1948) Andre De Toth

Post war American bliss is shaken to its core in this Andre DeToth tale of the company man’s discontent. The film opens in a “Father Knows Best” environment complete with Jane Wyatt as Sue Forbes, though in a much sterner version than the thoroughly sweet homespun loving wife/mother she portrayed on the 50’s TV show. Making breakfast for her family, she calls up to husband John (Dick Powell) telling him to hurry or he’ll be late to the office. John’s been a good husband providing for his family, even as he grumpily notes at the breakfast table he feels like he is in a rut, a “six feet deep” one.  After all, he married the prettiest girl in school and he was voted the most likely to succeed; he should be doing better, and not just another average guy working for an insurance company.

That morning in Forbes office waiting for him is Mac (Raymond Burr), a sleazy private investigator, sometimes used by Forbes company to do some legwork.  Currently, he is working on an embezzlement case involving an imprisoned thief named Bill Smiley (Byron Barr) who spent most of the stolen loot on his girl Mona Stevens (Elizabeth Scott), buying her jewelry, fur coats, even a boat. Mac was hired to spy on her, identify the stolen goods and report back to Forbes. Only, along the way he develops an unhealthy crush on Mona; he wants her for himself. Continue reading →