

A crooked politician finds himself being accused of murder by a gangster from whom he refused help during a re-election campaign.
Acting
Alan Ladd's quiet menace redefined the noir antihero.
Cinematography
Shadows that practically swallow characters whole.
Writing
Dashiell Hammett's dialogue hits like a blackjack.

Director
Stuart Heisler
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Paramount rushed this after The Maltese Falcon hit, betting noir was the new gold rush.
Lake and Ladd became THE noir couple, but he was 5'6" and she was 4'11" — Hollywood built them standing on phone books.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters