Starring: Douglas Dick, Bill Elliott, Eleanore Tanin
Director: Jean Yarbrough (US)
Genre: Mystery, Drama
Availability: YouTube
Watch Quality A+
This an unusually clear print, especially for YouTube. Video and audio are both exceptional.
Plot Summary
Johnson, a relapsed gambling addict, is the main suspect in the murder of his neighbor. Can he prove his innocence?
Star Power D+
The cast are veterans of the pulp westerns and crime thrillers of the 1950s, but they are not recognizable today. The performances are mediocre.
Chill Factor D
There is only a token romance element, overshadowed by the straightforward mystery plot. The air of resignation to impending doom that permeates the writing is not conducive to cuddling close.
Mental Health Check C+
Although the plot is fairly dark and the LA streets unforgiving, this film is cheesy enough that it lessens the emotional level. It's not exactly a bedtime story, but rather tame for the post-noir genre.
Overall Grade C-
The movie is essentially a series of interviews between the police and witnesses or suspects. It skips over character development and complex plot in order to finish in an hour. Still, the mystery is unpredictable and there are some humorous minor characters.
