Starring: Robert Mitchum, Robert Young, Robert Ryan, Gloria Grahame

Director: Edward Dmytryk (US)

Genre: Mystery, Drama

Availability: Movies! TV Network

Watch Quality   A-

Since the film was on cable, I'm sure they used the best available copy.  The picture and audio are clear, but not perfect, and you're stuck with commercials.

Plot Summary

A man is murdered, seemingly as a result of a crime by American soldiers.  The police and the army race to get to the bottom of the killing first.  The Allies may have won the war, but what evils followed them home?

Star Power   C+

Film-noir veteran Robert Mitchum brings his usual swagger.  Young and Ryan are compelling if simple characters.  Grahame portrays a noticeably complex woman for the genre.

Chill Factor   C

The slowly unwinding flashbacks and the gravel-edged dialogue have a certain appeal for date night, but the skewed morals and the dark topic get in the way.

Mental Health Check   C

Although the themes of murder, trauma, and bigotry are disturbing, the director deals with them with a kind of clear-eyed realism that doesn't get preachy or focus on the horror of them.  Instead, the film asks how warriors can successfully integrate back into civilian life and marriage.

Overall Grade   A-

This film is smarter than it lets on at first and more human than its dark stylings display.  When it reaches the climax, it loses a bit of its subtlety, but it satisfies the audience's sense of justice in a surprising way.  A powerful, well-executed drama that demands your attention.