Hollow Triumph (aka The Scar) (1948)

After a botched robbery at a casino, a career criminal (Paul Henreid) stumbles upon a psychiatrist (Paul Henreid) who is his exact double with one notable exception. The doctor has a prominent scar on his face. He conceives a plan to kill the doctor and take his place but taking on someone else's identity brings on a whole new set of problems. Based on the novel by Murray Forbes and directed by Steve Sekely (DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS). This nifty little noir has its share of admirers. An extreme suspension of belief is required for the movie to work but if you can do that, its farfetched (if contrived) plot provides an absorbing viewing experience. Henreid, not exactly the most dynamic of actors, gives what may be his best performance but alas, Joan Bennett as the film's tough talking romantic interest isn't given much to do. The atmospheric cinematography is by noir expert John Alton (SLIGHTLY SCARLET) and there's a suitably moody underscore by Sol Kaplan. With Eduard Franz, John Qualen, Leslie Brooks, Jack Webb and Norma Varden.