The concept of an insurance man being the leading character in a passionate film noir story probably seemed more plausible four years after "Double Indemnity" used that theme. In "Pitfall", insurance man John Forbes is portrayed by Dick Powell as a man so dour, unimaginative and boring that the narrative never rings true. We are to believe that Forbes is attractive to sultry blonde Mona Stevens (Lizabeth Scott) and that he is passionate enough to actually make a move on her. But Forbes has a pulse rate that never rises above "disinterested". I guess we are expected to take his mopey attitude as noir cool.
The other actors do a fine job. Lizabeth Scott would indeed inspire lust in the 40s male. In the film, her ex-boyfriend committed a crime for her. Raymond Burr is great as the threatening bully. And Jane Wyatt, in a smaller role, is fine as the little lady at home who is saddled with the sad sack Forbes.
In the end, justice is served and they all live happily ever after. Well, not really. This is a minor work, well-filmed, but marred by Powell's performance.
The other actors do a fine job. Lizabeth Scott would indeed inspire lust in the 40s male. In the film, her ex-boyfriend committed a crime for her. Raymond Burr is great as the threatening bully. And Jane Wyatt, in a smaller role, is fine as the little lady at home who is saddled with the sad sack Forbes.
In the end, justice is served and they all live happily ever after. Well, not really. This is a minor work, well-filmed, but marred by Powell's performance.