Watch Death of a Scoundrel

Death of a Scoundrel is a 1956 drama film directed by Charles Martin and stars George Sanders, Yvonne De Carlo, and Zsa Zsa Gabor. The plot follows the character of Clementi Sabourin (George Sanders), a self-made businessman who rises to fame and fortune through his cunning ways. Clementi's ruthless tactics and ambition lead him to success, but also alienate him from most people he interacts with.

The story begins with Clementi's death, and the narrative explores his past through a series of flashbacks. We learn about his humble beginnings in the French countryside, where he was raised in poverty by his widowed mother. From a young age, Clementi showed a sharp wit and an ability to manipulate people. He eventually moves to Paris, where he becomes a con man, duping wealthy individuals out of their money.

Through his cunning schemes, Clementi amasses a small fortune, which he uses to travel to America. There, he changes his name to Clem and settles in New York City, where he continues to con people out of their money. However, he realizes that he needs to change his approach if he wants to succeed on a larger scale. He begins to network with influential people, including politicians and businessmen, and eventually starts his own company, which manufactures clothing.

Clementi's business acumen and charm make him successful, and he becomes a beloved figure in society. However, despite his wealth and success, he remains deeply unhappy and unfulfilled. He has several romantic relationships throughout the film, including one with the seductive Lillian (Zsa Zsa Gabor), but none of them satisfy him.

As the film progresses, we begin to see the darker side of Clementi's character. He is willing to betray anyone if it means advancing his own interests. He blackmails a former friend, who helped him in his early days, and he even plots to ruin the reputation of his business partner, Doane (Tom Conway), when Doane begins to question his methods.

Ultimately, Death of a Scoundrel is a cautionary tale about the price of ambition and the dangers of living a life without morals. The film ends with Clementi's death, but it leaves the audience wondering whether he ever found the fulfillment he was looking for.

George Sanders gives a brilliant performance as Clementi, capturing the character's charm and ruthlessness. Yvonne De Carlo is also excellent as Bridget Kelly, a woman who falls in love with Clementi despite knowing his true nature. Zsa Zsa Gabor is perfectly cast as the seductive Lillian, who uses her beauty to get what she wants.

Overall, Death of a Scoundrel is a well-crafted drama that explores the dark underbelly of ambition and greed. It is a movie that has stood the test of time and continues to be relevant today.

Death of a Scoundrel is a 1956 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.