Underrated cast provides nice drama.
One sided love affair, blackmail and murder. Director Roy William Neil
serves up mild tempered Film-Nior that provides an unexpected twist. An experienced cast makes the movie work. A beautiful blackmailer(Constance Dowling) is killed and the wife(June Vincent)of the man(John Phillips) convicted of the murder sets out to prove his innocence with the aid of the victim's ex-husband(Dan Duryea). Broderick Crawford plays Captain Flood, who is really not totally concerned either way in innocence or guilt, because his squad is three months behind solving cases. Also in the cast are: Wallace Ford, Marion Martin, Ben Bard and an under used Peter Lorre.. Minor Noir classic is a treat.
Don't miss this great Universal film noir mystery! Excellent cast brings
to life a gritty story of neer-do-well songwriter, the murder of a dispicable sexy blackmailer, and the death sentence of seemingly the wrong man. Throw in wise guy police inspector Broderick Crawford, sinister nightclub owner Peter Lorre (in a fascinating role reversal from "Casablanca"--this time HE is the club owner)Peter Lorre is ALWAYS a treat!! What a shame Dan Duryea didn't do more pictures! He's very effective in his role. The beautiful love interest June Vincent is another who should have made more pictures--she's very sweet and believeable. This is another example of the Film Noir genre which was so popular in the 40s and early 50s--gorgeous photography, mood and plot twists!. |
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