A 21-minute noir that'll make you side-eye your therapist.
Acting
O'Neill's simmering stillness vs. Ankrum's blunt force.
Writing
Economic dialogue that trusts your intelligence.
Direction
Two directors, zero seams, pure tension.
Director
Paul Burnford
Henry O'Neill
Dr. Everett Colner
Morris Ankrum
Lt. Pat McKay
Arthur Space
Burton Caighn Jr.
Paul Guilfoyle
Dudley Badger
Dorothy Adams
Mrs. Mary Abbott (uncredited)
Paul Langton
Peter Selkin (uncredited)
William Tannen
McKay's Assistant (uncredited)
John Vosper
Dr. Elton Parkson (uncredited)
Jacqueline White
Jean Smith (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Burnford and Hart were primarily documentary filmmakers; this rare fiction pivot explains the clinical, observational tension.
Released months before WWII's end, the film channels national anxiety about hidden enemies and the limits of expertise.
US
