Arthouse 50: Hollow Triumph (aka The Scar)

John Muller, a petty and arrogant crook, devises a plot to rob an illegal gambling joint and when the caper becomes badly botched, he goes on the lam, frantically trying to evade the gangsters he tried to burn. While in hiding he discovers he bears a strong and strange resemblance to a noted psychiatrist and, through a murderous plan, Muller assumes his identity. A dangerous romantic interlude accompanies this scheme, and the brilliant ironic twist at the end will leave you speechless. A sadly underseen film noir classic. Starring Paul Henreid, Joan Bennett, John Qualen, Leslie Brooks. Screenplay by Daniel Fuchs. Photographed by John Alton. Directed by Steve Sekely. In B&W. 83 mins. 1948.

Part of Elliot Lavine’s series:
Film Noir’s Visionary Genius: John Alton

Part of our Arthouse 50: Celebrating our 50th anniversary as an Arthouse