"The Great Imposter" poses an intriguing question about the decision to create a film centered around Ferdinand Waldo Demara, Jr., a likable but morally ambiguous imposter involved in criminal activities. Directed by Robert Mulligan and written by Liam O'Brien, the movie offers a comedic take on Demara's story, downplaying the potential harm caused by his impersonations, particularly in critical fields such as medicine.
The film takes its time to establish Demara's background, employing flashbacks following his arrest by the FBI. As a child, Demara held a sense of disappointment towards his father, who fell short of his career aspirations and failed to meet his son's expectations.
In addition, he ignored the advice of Father Devlin (Karl Malden), the local parish priest, who urged him to be realistic in pursuing success. Unfortunately, the initial forays into the world of impersonation lack excitement. Demara's impersonation of a Yale graduate in the army results in an immediate promotion to a Marine officer, but the prospect of a background check prevents him from fulfilling any meaningful military duties.
Similarly, Demara's attempt to impersonate a Trappist monk lacks consequential developments, as he swiftly abandons the demanding lifestyle.
However, the narrative gains momentum when Demara assumes the role of a prison warden in a maximum-security facility after serving time himself in a military prison. Challenging the brutal treatment of inmates by correction officers, Demara garners respect from prisoners and becomes a hero in the eyes of prison reform advocates. Unfortunately, his tenure is short-lived as a former military prison acquaintance blackmails him.
The film's climax occurs when Demara impersonates a surgeon aboard a Canadian navy ship. A mildly amusing scene unfolds as he extracts an abscessed tooth from his commander, Captain Glover (Edmond O'Brien). Later, after studying textbooks, Demara performs life-saving surgeries on severely injured Korean soldiers.
It is uncertain how accurately the events are portrayed in the film, leaving doubts about the extent of Demara's admirable actions. While "The Great Imposter" suggests that Demara's intentions were ultimately selfless and beneficial, it remains questionable if the real-life incidents unfolded as depicted.
Tony Curtis delivers a performance lacking nuance, reminiscent of some of his other more cheerful roles throughout his extensive film career. Joan Blackman's role as nurse Catherine Lacey, Demara's main love interest, feels underdeveloped and fails to leave a lasting impact.
In conclusion, "The Great Imposter" navigates the fine line between comedy and ethics in portraying Ferdinand Waldo Demara, Jr.'s fraudulent exploits. While the film attempts to highlight the good he did, despite breaking the law, one cannot help but question the accuracy and morality of his actions.
The film takes its time to establish Demara's background, employing flashbacks following his arrest by the FBI. As a child, Demara held a sense of disappointment towards his father, who fell short of his career aspirations and failed to meet his son's expectations.
In addition, he ignored the advice of Father Devlin (Karl Malden), the local parish priest, who urged him to be realistic in pursuing success. Unfortunately, the initial forays into the world of impersonation lack excitement. Demara's impersonation of a Yale graduate in the army results in an immediate promotion to a Marine officer, but the prospect of a background check prevents him from fulfilling any meaningful military duties.
Similarly, Demara's attempt to impersonate a Trappist monk lacks consequential developments, as he swiftly abandons the demanding lifestyle.
However, the narrative gains momentum when Demara assumes the role of a prison warden in a maximum-security facility after serving time himself in a military prison. Challenging the brutal treatment of inmates by correction officers, Demara garners respect from prisoners and becomes a hero in the eyes of prison reform advocates. Unfortunately, his tenure is short-lived as a former military prison acquaintance blackmails him.
The film's climax occurs when Demara impersonates a surgeon aboard a Canadian navy ship. A mildly amusing scene unfolds as he extracts an abscessed tooth from his commander, Captain Glover (Edmond O'Brien). Later, after studying textbooks, Demara performs life-saving surgeries on severely injured Korean soldiers.
It is uncertain how accurately the events are portrayed in the film, leaving doubts about the extent of Demara's admirable actions. While "The Great Imposter" suggests that Demara's intentions were ultimately selfless and beneficial, it remains questionable if the real-life incidents unfolded as depicted.
Tony Curtis delivers a performance lacking nuance, reminiscent of some of his other more cheerful roles throughout his extensive film career. Joan Blackman's role as nurse Catherine Lacey, Demara's main love interest, feels underdeveloped and fails to leave a lasting impact.
In conclusion, "The Great Imposter" navigates the fine line between comedy and ethics in portraying Ferdinand Waldo Demara, Jr.'s fraudulent exploits. While the film attempts to highlight the good he did, despite breaking the law, one cannot help but question the accuracy and morality of his actions.