The Pretender (1947): cast, story & where to watch

1947 · Film · ★ 5.5

The Pretender poster

Released in 1947, The Pretender is a thriller, drama and crime film directed by W. Lee Wilder, running about 69 minutes. “A blueprint for murder!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Story of an investment agent who embezzles a large sum from an estate, hoping to cover his crime by marrying the estate's heiress. The girl is already engaged, so he arranges to have the fiance killed. A mix up involving the society section of the newspaper places him in the sights of his own hired gun.

Who’s in it. The Pretender stars Albert Dekker as Kenneth Holden, Catherine Craig as Claire Worthington, Charles Drake as Dr. Leonard Koster and Alan Carney as Victor Korrin, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.5/10, The Pretender has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Pretender page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Pretender tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Pretender (1947)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Pretender change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Pretender worth watching?
The Pretender holds an audience score of 5.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, drama and crime. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Pretender?
The Pretender stars Albert Dekker, Catherine Craig, Charles Drake, Alan Carney and Linda Stirling.
When was The Pretender released?
The Pretender was released in 1947, with a runtime of about 69 minutes.