ACT OUT: DOUBLE INDEMNITY

BY: Claire Connors

Imagine our delight when the third episode into the fifth season of House of Cards features an Act Out between the deliciously immoral First Couple, Frank and Claire Underwood (Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright). As they calmly wait out the results of the election, POTUS AND FLOTUS stick to their tradition of rewatching the first movie they ever saw together, 1944’s classic film noir, Double Indemnity. Based on a novella by James M. Cain, and co-written by director Billy Wilder and Raymond Chandler, the story centers on a newly acquainted couple plotting to kill her husband for his life insurance money.

Of course Frank and Claire know every word of dialogue between Neff, the hapless insurance salesman (Fred MacMurray) and Phyllis, the wicked housewife (Barbara Stanwyck) who wants her husband dead. Is this an obvious hint of what is to come for Frank at the hands of Claire and her senseless lover, Tom Yates (Paul Sparks)? You be the judge.

In this scene, Neff and Phyllis are meeting for the first time in her home and sparks fly. Be warned: the dialogue is so packed with double entendre, it’s enough to give you whiplash.

PHYLLIS

You’re a smart insurance man, aren’t you, Mr. Neff?

NEFF

I’ve had eleven years of it.

PHYLLIS

Doing pretty well?

NEFF

It’s a living.

PHYLLIS

You handle just automobile insurance, or all kinds?

She sits down again, in the same position as before.

NEFF

All kinds. Fire, earthquake, theft, public liability, group insurance, industrial stuff and so on right down the line.

PHYLLIS

Accident insurance?

NEFF

Accident insurance? Sure, Mrs. Dietrichson.

His eyes fall on the anklet again.

I wish you’d tell me what’s engraved on that anklet.

PHYLLIS

Just my name.

NEFF

As for instance?

PHYLLIS

Phyllis.

NEFF

Phyllis. I think I like that.

PHYLLIS

But you’re not sure?

NEFF

I’d have to drive it around the block a couple of times.

PHYLLIS (Standing up again)

Mr. Neff, why don’t you drop by tomorrow evening about eight-thirty. He’ll be in then.

NEFF

Who?

PHYLLIS

My husband. You were anxious to talk to him weren’t you?

NEFF

Sure, only I’m getting over it a little. If you know what I mean.

PHYLLIS

There’s a speed limit in this state, Mr. Neff. Forty-five miles an hour.

NEFF

How fast was I going, officer?

PHYLLIS

I’d say about ninety.

NEFF

Suppose you get down off your motorcycle and give me a ticket.

PHYLLIS

Suppose I let you off with a warning this time.

NEFF

Suppose it doesn’t take.

PHYLLIS

Suppose I have to whack you over the knuckles.

NEFF

Suppose I bust out crying and put my head on your shoulder.

PHYLLIS

Suppose you try putting it on my husband’s shoulder.

NEFF

That tears it.

Neff takes his hat and briefcase.

Eight-thirty tomorrow evening then, Mrs. Dietrichson.

PHYLLIS

That’s what I suggested.

They both move toward the archway. 

HALLWAY – PHYLLIS AND NEFF GOING TOWARDS THE ENTRANCE DOOR

NEFF

Will you be here, too?

PHYLLIS

I guess so. I usually am.

NEFF

Same chair, same perfume, same anklet?

PHYLLIS (Opening the door)

I wonder if I know what you mean.

NEFF

I wonder if you wonder.

He walks out.