SYNOPSIS: "The Man Who Cheated Himself" (1950) is a gripping film noir directed by Felix E. Feist. The story revolves around Lieutenant Ed Cullen, played by Lee J. Cobb, a seasoned and respected homicide detective in San Francisco. Cullen becomes romantically involved with socialite Lois Frazer, portrayed by Jane Wyatt, who is unhappily married to Howard Frazer, played by Harlan Warde. When Lois shoots Howard in a fit of rage during an argument, Ed decides to help her cover up the crime, using his knowledge of police procedures to stage the death as a suicide.

However, Ed's younger and more idealistic brother, Andy Cullen, portrayed by John Dall, who is also a detective, becomes suspicious of the circumstances surrounding Howard's death. As Andy delves deeper into the case, uncovering inconsistencies and evidence that points towards murder, tensions rise between the brothers. The film intensifies as Ed finds himself increasingly entangled in a web of lies and deceit, struggling to maintain his professional integrity while protecting Lois.

Set against the backdrop of San Francisco's iconic locations and featuring noir elements such as shadows, moral ambiguity, and a sense of impending doom, "The Man Who Cheated Himself" explores themes of guilt, betrayal, and the consequences of crossing ethical boundaries. The film builds to a dramatic climax as the truth threatens to unravel Ed's carefully constructed facade, leading to a suspenseful and morally complex resolution. "The Man Who Cheated Himself" remains a notable entry in the film noir genre, known for its atmospheric cinematography and strong performances that highlight the darker facets of human nature and justice.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: The Man Who Cheated Himself (1950) follows the story of Ed Cullen (Lee J. Cobb), a seasoned and respected homicide detective in San Francisco. Ed has a complicated relationship with Lois Frazer (Jane Wyatt), a wealthy and married woman. Lois is planning to divorce her husband, Howard Frazer (Harlan Warde), but fears for her life, suspecting that Howard is plotting against her. One evening, Ed receives a frantic call from Lois, who claims that Howard has tried to kill her.

Ed rushes to Lois's house, only to find her in a state of panic, holding a gun. Howard enters the room, and in a moment of chaos, Lois shoots him dead. Realizing the gravity of the situation and his feelings for Lois, Ed decides to help her cover up the crime. He concocts a plan to make the murder look like a robbery gone wrong and disposes of the body.

The next day, the case of Howard Frazer's murder is assigned to Ed and his younger brother, Andy Cullen (John Dall), who is a rookie detective eager to prove himself. As Andy starts to dig into the case, Ed finds himself in a precarious position, having to mislead his own brother while trying to maintain the facade of a dedicated officer of the law.

Andy is sharp and observant, and his investigation soon leads him to suspect that the murder scene was staged. He follows a trail of clues that Ed inadvertently leaves behind, inching closer to the truth. Ed's double life begins to unravel as he struggles to balance his loyalty to Lois with his professional duties and the bond with his brother.

Meanwhile, Lois grows increasingly paranoid and starts to exhibit erratic behavior, further complicating the cover-up. Her actions draw more attention to the case, and Ed's involvement becomes harder to conceal.

As the tension mounts, Andy's persistence pays off, and he discovers a critical piece of evidence that points directly to Ed.

In a dramatic confrontation, Andy confronts Ed with the evidence, expressing his disbelief and disappointment. Ed, realizing that he can no longer maintain the charade, confesses to his brother. The film reaches its climax with Ed and Lois attempting to flee but ultimately being cornered by the police.

In the final scenes, Ed is arrested and taken into custody, while Lois is also apprehended. Andy is left to grapple with the emotional fallout of his brother's betrayal and the moral complexities of justice and loyalty. The film ends on a somber note, highlighting the tragic consequences of deceit and the heavy price of compromised integrity.

PRODUCTION: "The Man Who Cheated Himself" (1950), directed by Felix E. Feist, was produced by Jack M. Warner under the banner of Jack M. Warner Productions. The film was shot on location in San Francisco, utilizing the city's iconic landmarks to enhance its noir atmosphere. The production benefited from a modest budget typical of many film noirs of the era, allowing for creative storytelling within constrained financial parameters.

Lee J. Cobb was cast in the lead role of Lieutenant Ed Cullen, bringing his seasoned gravitas and dramatic presence to the character.

Cobb's portrayal of the conflicted detective navigating moral dilemmas added depth to the film's exploration of guilt and betrayal. Jane Wyatt was cast as Lois Frazer, the femme fatale whose actions set the film's suspenseful plot in motion. Wyatt's performance as the troubled socialite caught in a web of lies added complexity to the film's moral ambiguity.

The film's cinematography, overseen by renowned director of photography Russell Harlan, played a crucial role in creating the noir aesthetic. Harlan's use of shadows, low-key lighting, and stark contrasts heightened the film's suspenseful atmosphere and underscored its themes of moral ambiguity and psychological tension. The San Francisco locations, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Chinatown, provided a visually striking backdrop that added authenticity to the film's urban setting.

Director Felix E. Feist, known for his work in suspenseful thrillers, brought a keen sense of pacing and tension to "The Man Who Cheated Himself." Feist's direction emphasized the psychological depth of the characters and maintained a tight narrative focus throughout the film's twists and turns. The production design, helmed by Boris Leven, meticulously recreated the period settings and added to the film's noir aesthetic, complementing Harlan's cinematography.

Overall, the production of "The Man Who Cheated Himself" (1950) was marked by a synergy of talent in front of and behind the camera, resulting in a compelling noir thriller that continues to captivate audiences with its suspenseful storytelling and atmospheric visuals.

RELEASE: "The Man Who Cheated Himself" (1950) was released by Twentieth Century-Fox in San Francisco on December 26, 1950, and opened in New York City in January 1951. Upon its release, the movie garnered attention for its suspenseful narrative and atmospheric cinematography, which captured the gritty urban landscape of San Francisco.

The marketing campaign for the film emphasized its noir elements, showcasing Lee J. Cobb's portrayal of Lieutenant Ed Cullen, a seasoned detective entangled in a web of deceit and betrayal. Jane Wyatt's performance as Lois Frazer, the femme fatale central to the film's plot, also drew praise for its complexity and depth. Critics and audiences alike appreciated the film's tight pacing and tense atmosphere, characteristic of the noir style.

Despite its critical acclaim, "The Man Who Cheated Himself" did not achieve significant commercial success upon its initial release.

It received modest attention at the box office and did not enjoy widespread distribution. However, over the years, the film has gained recognition among noir enthusiasts for its strong performances and compelling narrative, solidifying its place in the canon of classic film noirs.

The release of "The Man Who Cheated Himself" contributed to the broader landscape of 1950s cinema, showcasing the enduring appeal of noir storytelling and the exploration of moral ambiguity in crime dramas. The film's legacy has been preserved through screenings at film festivals and retrospectives, where it continues to be celebrated for its atmospheric cinematography and strong performances. Today, "The Man Who Cheated Himself" remains a significant example of noir filmmaking, appreciated for its contribution to the genre's themes and visual style.

CAST:

• Lee J. Cobb as Lt. Ed Cullen

• Jane Wyatt as Lois Frazer

• John Dall as Andy Cullen

• Lisa Howard as Janet Cullen

• Harlan Warde as Howard Frazer

• Tito Vuolo as Pietro Capa

• Charles Arnt as Ernest Quimby

• Marjorie Bennett as Muriel Quimby

• Alan Wells as Nito Capa

• Mimi Aguglia as Mrs. Capa 

• Bud Wolfe as Officer Blair

• Morgan Farley as Rushton

• Howard Negley as Detective Olson

• William Gould as Doc Munson

• Art Millan as United Airlines Clerk

• Gordon Richards as Albert the Butler

• Terry Frost as Detective 

• Mario Siletti as Machetti

• Charles Victor as Attorney
  

CREW:

• Director: Felix E. Feist

• Producers: Jack M. Warner

• Writers: Seton I. Miller, Philip MacDonald

• Cinematographer: Russell Harlan

• Editor: David Weisbart

• Music: Louis Forbes

• Art Director: Van Nest Polglase
  

Production Company: Jack M. Warner Productions
Distributor: 20th Century Fox

Release Date: December 26, 1950
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 81 minutes
Budget: $ 500,000
Box Office Return: N/A

IMDB Rating =  6.8 / 10

TRIVIA:

• The film is notable for its use of San Francisco locations, including Fort Point and the Golden Gate Bridge, which add to the film's moody and suspenseful atmosphere.

• Lee J. Cobb, already an established character actor, delivered one of his standout performances in the noir genre with his role as Lieutenant Ed Cullen.

• Jane Wyatt, best known for her role in the TV series "Father Knows Best," showcased her range by portraying a darker and more complex character in the film.

• "The Man Who Cheated Himself" was one of the early works of director Felix E. Feist, who later became known for his work in television during the 1950s and 1960s.

• The film's theme of betrayal and moral ambiguity is a hallmark of film noir, reflecting post-war American anxieties and disillusionment.

• Lisa Howard, who played Janet Cullen in the film, was married to director Felix E. Feist at the time and later gained fame as a journalist who conducted key interviews with figures like Nikita Khrushchev and Fidel Castro.

• Jack Warner Jr. believed Lee J. Cobb's casting, fresh off his acclaimed Broadway role as Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman," would ensure box office success, but this expectation did not materialize.

• Jane Wyatt's casting as a homicidal socialite was unexpected given her wholesome image in Hollywood, making her portrayal in the film particularly striking.

• The film marked the first feature produced by Phoenix Films, led by Jack Warner Jr., son of Warner Bros. chief Jack L. Warner.

• The working title of the film was originally "The Gun," and it was shot on location in San Francisco and the Los Feliz district of Los Angeles, CA.
  

The Man Who Cheated Himself remains a compelling example of film noir, featuring strong performances and a tense, well-crafted plot that explores themes of loyalty, deception, and the consequences of moral compromise.