A federal agent named Rigby (Robert Taylor) goes to the small town of Carlotta in Central America to investigate government fraud. His prime suspect is a shady character named Hintten (John Hodiak), but Rigby soon learns Hintten is just the tip of the spear.
"The Bribe" is pure noir, with its emphasis on darkness and shadows, and its voiceovers. In fact, the voiceovers are overdone; it is better to show more and say less.
Of course every film noir needs its femme fatale. Consider Barbara Stanwyck in "Double Indemnity" and Rita Hayworth in "Gilda". The love interest in this film is Ava Gardner as Elizabeth, the wife of Hintten. Her performance may not be as iconic as the others', but Gardner is worth seeing in this film. Check out "Night of the Iguana" if you want to see her full force.
This film has its heavies and they are iconic. Charles Laughton is J. J. Bealer, a ubiquitous character of indeterminate intentions. And Vincent Price is Carwood, a venous denizen of society's underbelly.
The main drama lies between Rigby and Elizabeth. Each will have to choose between (what is presumed to be) love and duty. Each is desperate. But so is every other character in this story of slippery toughs.
The fact that Taylor (husband of Barbara Stanwyck) and Gardner were having an affair during the making of the film adds another layer of interest.
"The Bribe" is pure noir, with its emphasis on darkness and shadows, and its voiceovers. In fact, the voiceovers are overdone; it is better to show more and say less.
Of course every film noir needs its femme fatale. Consider Barbara Stanwyck in "Double Indemnity" and Rita Hayworth in "Gilda". The love interest in this film is Ava Gardner as Elizabeth, the wife of Hintten. Her performance may not be as iconic as the others', but Gardner is worth seeing in this film. Check out "Night of the Iguana" if you want to see her full force.
This film has its heavies and they are iconic. Charles Laughton is J. J. Bealer, a ubiquitous character of indeterminate intentions. And Vincent Price is Carwood, a venous denizen of society's underbelly.
The main drama lies between Rigby and Elizabeth. Each will have to choose between (what is presumed to be) love and duty. Each is desperate. But so is every other character in this story of slippery toughs.
The fact that Taylor (husband of Barbara Stanwyck) and Gardner were having an affair during the making of the film adds another layer of interest.