DOUBLE INDEMNITY: Femme Fatale 101

DOUBLE INDEMNITY: Femme Fatale 101

From Window Dressing by Madelaine Jane Auble

February 7, 2026 · 26 min · Season 6 · Episode 6

About this episode

This episode discusses the iconic femme fatale Phyllis Dietrichson from the film Double Indemnity, exploring her character and the film's significance in American cinema.

This week, I discuss the most well-known and reviled femme fatale in film history: Phyllis Dietrichson, played by one of the most respected and beloved actresses in American film: Barbara Stanwyck. This episode was originally aired as part of my American Trash and National Treasures series. The video version is in reverence to the Double Indemnity house and in celebration of my upcoming move near it. The 1944 film noir Double Indemnity is one of the shiniest, most monied film noirs produced in its time. The film is based on James M. Cain's book of the same name. The story itself is inspired by a true crime that is so American it smells like apple pie and fresh blood. This and every episode of Window Dressing is written, performed, researched, costumed, styled, and filmed by Madelaine Jane Auble

People in this episode

Host: Madelaine Jane Auble

Topics covered

  • femme fatale
  • film noir
  • Double Indemnity
  • Barbara Stanwyck
  • true crime
  • American cinema

Keywords

  • femme fatale
  • Phyllis Dietrichson
  • Barbara Stanwyck
  • Double Indemnity
  • film noir
  • true crime
  • American film

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Double Indemnity, American Trash and National Treasures, James M. Cain

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