A charming impostor
| Movie | |
|---|---|
| German title | A charming impostor |
| Original title | The Great Impostor |
| Country of production | United States |
| original language | English |
| Publishing year | 1961 |
| length | 113 minutes |
| Age rating | FSK 12 |
| Rod | |
| Director | Robert Mulligan |
| script |
Robert Crichton Liam O'Brien |
| production | Robert Arthur |
| music | Henry Mancini |
| camera | Robert Burks |
| cut | Frederic Knudtson |
| occupation | |
| |
A charming impostor (original title: The Great Impostor ) is an American literary film adaptation by director Robert Mulligan from 1961 . It is based on the novel of the same name by Robert Crichton .
action
Ferdinand Waldo Demara dropped out of school to join the United States Army . There he was denied a career as an officer due to his missing school leaving certificate, which is why he forged his documents without further ado . When his forgery is later exposed, he escapes his arrest by faking suicide and goes into hiding with the Trappists . There he was later expelled from the monastery and ended up in a military prison . While in custody, he befriends one of the guards, whom he inquires about his life. After his release, Demara gets a job as a correctional officer in Texas after introducing himself to the military prison with the résumé of his former guard. His past catches up with him this time too, in the form of a prisoner who recognizes him and blackmailed him. Demara runs away, poses as a doctor in Canada and gets a job with the Royal Canadian Navy . On board the HMCS Cayuga he took part in operations during the Korean War.
Due to press reports about his work as a doctor, Demara is exposed and he is threatened with a court martial . Due to the good repute of his comrades and in order not to damage the good reputation of the Navy, he is dismissed from service without further ado. He then works as a teacher in New England . Finally, the FBI is hired to finally put an end to the impostor. In the last shot of the film it turns out that the FBI's special agent is none other than Demara himself.
background
The novel by Robert Crichtons is based on the true story of the impostor Ferdinand Waldo Demara (1921–1982), who worked as a doctor, deputy sheriff , prison guard, lawyer , teacher and monk using forged certificates or false identities .
Reviews
“Because he lacks a school report, an American successfully goes the way of the impostor - among other things, he is dizzying his way through life as an officer, monk and ship's doctor. The authentic life story of a swindler: briskly staged entertainment played with verve and good humor. "
Awards
Directors Guild of America 1962
- Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures nomination for Robert Mulligan
Laurel Awards 1961
- Nomination in the Top Comedy category
Web links
- The Great Impostor in the Internet Movie Database (English)