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Double Indemnity to Along Came Polly: The Greatest Insurance Films
(Page 2)
The Killers (1946)
Director: Robert Siodmak; Cast: Burt Lancaster, Ava Gardner, Edmond O’Brien
Two professional killers invade a small town and kill a gas station attendant, the “Swede” (Lancaster), who is expecting them. Insurance investigator Jim Reardon (O’Brien) pursues the case against the orders of his boss, who considers it trivial. Weaving together threads of the ex-prize fighter’s life, Reardon uncovers a complex tale of treachery and crime, all linked with gorgeous, mysterious Kitty Collins (Gardner).
Oscar Count: 4 nominations
Quote: [last lines]
R.S. Kenyon: Owing to your splendid efforts the basic rate of The Atlantic Casualty Company—as of 1947—will probably drop one-tenth of a cent. Congratulations, Mr. Reardon.
Jim Reardon: I’d rather have a night’s sleep.
R.S. Kenyon: Why don’t you take a good rest. I must say you’ve earned it… This is Friday—don’t come in ‘til Monday.
Jim Reardon: Thanks.
Save the Tiger (1973)
Director: John G. Avildsen; Cast: Jack Lemmon, Jack Gilford
Synopsis: Harry Stoner (Lemmon, in an Oscar-winning performance) is a Los Angeles dress manufacturer whose business is on the skids. In a desperate move—and against the dictates of his conscience—he hires an arsonist to torch his building so he can collect the insurance payout. Jack Gilford also earned an Oscar nomination for his performance as Harry’s partner and best friend.
Oscar Count: 3 nominations, 1 win–Jack Lemmon, Best Actor in a Leading Role
Quote: The government has a word for survival. It’s called fraud.
The Thomas Crown Affair (1968); The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
[1968] Director: Norman Jewison; Cast: Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway/[1999] Director: John McTiernan; Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Rene Russo
The story of bored, multimillionaire playboy Thomas Crown (McQueen/Brosnan) who opts for a life of crime. In the original movie, he masterminds a bank robbery; in the remake, he steals a priceless work of art. A beautiful insurance investigator (Dunaway/Russo) sets out to catch him, but ends up seduced by her quarry’s charms.
Oscar Count: 1968: 2 nominations; 1 win – Best Music, Original Song “The Windmills of Your Mind”; 1999: 0
Quote [1999]:
Psychiatrist: Has it occurred to you that you have a problem with trust?
Thomas Crown: I trust myself implicitly.
Psychiatrist: But can other people trust you?
Thomas Crown: Oh, you mean society at large?
Psychiatrist: I mean women, Mr. Crown.
Thomas Crown: Yes, a woman could trust me.
Psychiatrist: Good. Under what extraordinary circumstances would you allow that to happen?
Thomas Crown: A woman could trust me as long as her interests didn’t run too contrary to my own.
Psychiatrist: And society? If its interests should run counter to your own?
To Catch a Thief (1955)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock; Cast: Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Jessie Royce Landis
A Lloyd’s of London insurance agent uses a thief to catch a thief when John Robie (Grant), a reformed jewel thief, is suspected in a new series of gem heists in the luxury hotels of the French Riviera. Robie sets out to clear himself with the help of pampered heiress Frances (Kelly), whose mother, Jesse Stevens, is one of the thief’s prime targets.
Oscar Count: 3 nominations; 1 win–Best Cinematography, Color
Quote:
John Robie: Why did I take up stealing? To live better, to own things I couldn’t afford, to acquire this good taste that you now enjoy and which I should be very reluctant to give up.
H. H. Hughson: Then you are frankly dishonest.
John Robie: I try to be.
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