Palmetto (film)

Palmetto is a 1998 neo-noir mystery film directed by Volker Schlöndorff and starring Woody Harrelson, Elisabeth Shue, and Gina Gershon. The film is based on the 1961 novel Just Another Sucker by James Hadley Chase.

Synopsis

Harry Barber (Woody Harrelson), a recently released ex-convict, is offered a lucrative job to ghostwrite a novel for a wealthy businessman's supposedly kidnapped daughter, Mrs. Malroux (Elisabeth Shue). Tempted by the money and seeking a fresh start in Palmetto, Florida, he accepts the offer. However, Barber soon finds himself entangled in a complex web of deceit, double-crosses, and murder, discovering that the kidnapping was a staged event. As he delves deeper into the conspiracy, he becomes a prime suspect and must uncover the truth to clear his name and survive.

Cast

• Woody Harrelson as Harry Barber
• Elisabeth Shue as Mrs. Malroux/Rhea Malroux
• Gina Gershon as Nina
• Rolf Hoppe as Mr. Donner
• Michael Rapaport as Donnelly
• Peter Hermann as Tommy
• Marc Macaulay as Detective Angelo

Reception

Palmetto received generally negative reviews, with critics citing a convoluted plot and a lack of originality. The film was a box office failure. Despite the negative reception, some critics praised the performances of the cast and the film's atmospheric cinematography.

Production

Filming took place in various locations in Florida.

Alternative Titles

The film was also released under the title Dumme sterben nicht aus in Germany.

See Also

• Neo-noir
• James Hadley Chase