Kennington Noir presents Pitfall (1948), directed by Andre de Toth and starring Dick Powell and Lizabeth Scott.

Post war American bliss is shaken to its core in this tale of the company man’s discontent. By the time of this film’s release, Dick Powell had already established himself in the dark streets of celluloid crime with films like Murder My Sweet (1944), Cornered (1945) and Johnny O’Clock (1947). Powell had a kind of every day man’s look, and it fits perfectly here in his role as Johnny Forbes, insurance company claims investigator who is tempted into infidelity. Meanwhile Lizabeth Scott had considerable noir pedigree in films such as The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946), I Walk Alone (1947), and Dead Reckoning (1947), and Raymond Burr is perfect as a sleazy private investigator.

According to Madeleine Stowe, guest host on the May 21 2016 Turner Classic Movies screening of this film, the production was in trouble because the script violated the Hayes Code, as the adulterer was insufficiently punished. When director De Toth found out, he met with two senior Hayes Code members, whom he had selected with care. De Toth revealed that he knew the two were both married and both had mistresses. There were no problems after that.

With supporting programme and an introduction from Kulraj Phullar from Kings College London.

Doors open at 19.00, for a 19.30 start.

Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.