The editor of a sleazy tabloid newspaper has been borrowing money from his lover, the wife of a rich theatrical producer, and promises to marry her when she gets a divorce. However, the husband refuses to grant her a divorce, and takes back all the money and jewelry he has given her. The editor sees her husband leaving her apartment and, seeing his opportunity, kills her, takes all his IOUs (and the jewelry) and frames the husband for the murder.
Acting
Burr's sweaty desperation—he's already practicing for Perry Mason's darker cases.
Production
Gloriously cheap sets that wobble when doors slam.
Director
George Blair
Robert Rockwell
Detective Lt. James 'Jim' Webster
Barbra Fuller
Linda Jackson
Raymond Burr
Roger Lewis
Hillary Brooke
Doris King (Jackson)
Paul Harvey
Harry Jackson
Norman Budd
'Biggie' Wolfe
John Eldredge
Johnny Rocco
Emory Parnell
'Pop' Swenson
Russell Hicks
George Richards
Lester Sharpe
Mr. Schmidt
Charles Quigley
Newcombe
Barbara Pepper
Mrs. Schmidt
Charles Trowbridge
Dr. Lowell
Harry Harvey
Saunders
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was one of eleven films Raymond Burr made in 1950 alone—he was Hollywood's busiest heavy before Perry Mason rehabilitated his image.
The 'shakedown racket' tagline references real 1940s tabloid scandals; editor characters like Roger mirrored fears about Walter Winchell's power and ethics.
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