The b&w flick's a "can't miss" for fans of 40's noir and crime. It's like a big re-union for the gritty stars of that memorable time, from Bogart to Stanwyck to Ladd, the list goes on. (Be sure to check either the epilogue or IMDB for a full list, as they make their appearances in unpredictable fashion). Martin's quite humorous as the story-connecting detective trying to solve the narrative's bloated mystery, along with the delectable Ward as his suspicious foil. But who really cares about the main story since it's just a long thread to let the classic celebrities tie into. Inserting those many old film excerpts into the new scenes with Martin must have been an editor's and set designers' field day or nightmare. Still and all, they do blend well. Anyhow, it's a heckuva chance to see those greats of old together in one flick, even if only briefly. So here's my big salute to the great, underrated Fred MacMurray. Now if his Walter Neff can just resist Stanwyck's rolling up her hosiery, he might re-earn bossman Keyes' respect. Good luck, Mr. Double Indemnity.
Review of Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
