Double Indemnity

Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck), "Double Indemnity" (1944)
Oh, Barbara. You were often bad, but you were seriously evil in "Double Indemnity." Phyllis Dietrichson is one of the sickest femme fatales in film noir history. Stanwyck took to her dark part with nasty brilliance... more as a double-crossing, bitchy seductress in Billy Wilder's seminal noir, donning that now famous blond wig, that sexy, cynical smirk and (dear God) that anklet, oozing a snaky sex appeal that's deliciously evil. Eyeing her mark in Fred MacMurray's insurance salesman, Stanwyck convinces the lovesick lug to help plot and execute the murder of her husband, but, as usual in these situations, nothing ever comes off without a hitch -- numerous hitches in this case. All dolled up in pom-pom heels, creamy sweaters and dramatically lined lips, Stanwyck's Phyllis, who's not as young as she used to be and not quite as lush, can't hide the poison within her. And her chemistry with MacMurray sizzles as they swap barbs and coos with sleazy ease. They yearn for more, but Stanwyck, the perfect noir siren, seems perfectly aware of how fatalistic this kind of dream really is. Sometimes murder really does smell like honeysuckle. (Everett Collection)