Detour (1945)

In the hazy ambiance of a highway diner, Al Roberts, a jaded pianist, is haunted by the echoes of a familiar tune. It propels him into a whirlwind of memories, painting a vivid picture of his recent past. Once a pianist in a gritty New York nightclub, his life was intertwined with Sue Harvey, a singer and his paramour. Their dreams diverged when Sue, captivated by the allure of Hollywood, moved westward hoping to strike it big in the film industry. Al, unable to shake off the longing for Sue, sets off on a penniless journey to Los Angeles, his path colliding with the enigmatic Charles Haskell Jr, who is also bound for the city of dreams. Fate plays a cruel trick when Charles dies unexpectedly, pushing Al into a tangled web of deception as he assumes Charles' identity, fearing the police would dismiss the truth of his death. The knot tightens when Al crosses paths with Vera, a cunning woman who knew Charles, at a nondescript gas station. Recognizing the fraud, she blackmails Al, thrusting him deeper into the dark underbelly of deceit. Each step Al takes, under the weight of his false identity, drags him further into the abyss of trouble, the consequence of which is as tragic as it is unforeseeable. The once simple pianist is now entangled in a symphony of chaos, with each note resonating with stark danger and suspense.

Detour is a drama movie featuring Tom Neal and directed by Edgar G. Ulmer.

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