It's good to see this film now getting the attention it has always deserved. For those who understand filmmaking as an art and appreciate the care some would take to create early mini-masterpieces, this is a must-see.
As it was made by a smaller production company (Eagle Lion) that specialized in high-quality entertainment produced on lower budgets, the stars, while fully competent, were not of the well known calibre of the major studios - still, with the creativity and passion of talented film makers they produced several critically acclaimed minor classics. But those weaned on glossy consumer movies may not completely appreciate the full professional impact they achieved. Great visuals, direction, and performances combine to make this one 'special' of its genre.
While not as well known as he should be, Richard Basehart's chilling portrayal of an unknown 'strangely mannered' con-man/come ruthless killer is as professional as it gets. He is supported by a cast of professional performers of the day --who bring to life a group of pioneering CSI investigators-- giving this the style of a factual police files examination (based on a real-life crime). Character actor Whit Bissell truly exudes nervous fear when dealing with this eerie con man.
All the intensity and planed attempts to identify and capture this 'phantom' criminal are strikingly captured by director Alfred L. Werker (Lost Boundaries '49), working with first-class director of photography John Alton (Elmer Gantry '60) and beautifully utilizing classic moody noir lighting.
The chase through the sewer makes for compelling filmmaking (and may even have inspired Carol Read a year later for "The Third Man"...?) This comes highly recommended for serious movie connoisseurs.
As it was made by a smaller production company (Eagle Lion) that specialized in high-quality entertainment produced on lower budgets, the stars, while fully competent, were not of the well known calibre of the major studios - still, with the creativity and passion of talented film makers they produced several critically acclaimed minor classics. But those weaned on glossy consumer movies may not completely appreciate the full professional impact they achieved. Great visuals, direction, and performances combine to make this one 'special' of its genre.
While not as well known as he should be, Richard Basehart's chilling portrayal of an unknown 'strangely mannered' con-man/come ruthless killer is as professional as it gets. He is supported by a cast of professional performers of the day --who bring to life a group of pioneering CSI investigators-- giving this the style of a factual police files examination (based on a real-life crime). Character actor Whit Bissell truly exudes nervous fear when dealing with this eerie con man.
All the intensity and planed attempts to identify and capture this 'phantom' criminal are strikingly captured by director Alfred L. Werker (Lost Boundaries '49), working with first-class director of photography John Alton (Elmer Gantry '60) and beautifully utilizing classic moody noir lighting.
The chase through the sewer makes for compelling filmmaking (and may even have inspired Carol Read a year later for "The Third Man"...?) This comes highly recommended for serious movie connoisseurs.