"Apology for Murder" is such a ripoff of "Double Indemnity" that apparently its working title was "Single Indemnity." Paramount (producer of the classic film) was not amused. Hugh (Ward Cleaver) Beaumont plays the Fred MacMurray role, this time a reporter instead of an insurance agent, while the most fatal of femme fatales, Ann Savage, takes the Stanwyck Barbara prototype role. Here she's just as cold and calculating as in "Detour," but not quite as demonic. She and Beaumont are terrific, and the supporting cast is largely fine, too. The production values are far above the standard PRC fare, meaning them must have thought they had something special here. The only problem is the script which, in addition to its derisiveness, puts forth often inconsistent characters. The actors, though, prevail. Definitely worth a look.
Review of Apology for Murder
