An arson investigator goes undercover to break up a ring that sets fires in order to collect the insurance.
Practical Effects
Real fire stunts that'd give modern safety coordinators nightmares.
Production
Micro-budget studio magic: entire arson ring in three cramped sets.
Acting
Edward Brophy's sweaty desperation as the cowardly accomplice.
Director
William Berke
Robert Lowery
Joe Martin
Anne Gwynne
Jane Jennings
Edward Brophy
Pete Purdy
Marcia Mae Jones
Betty - Fender's Secretary
Douglas Fowley
Frederick P. 'Fred' Fender
Maude Eburne
Grandma
William Forrest
Deputy Fire Chief / Narrator
Steve Pendleton
Murph, the undercover man (as Gaylord Pendleton)
Byron Foulger
Thomas Peyson
Matt McHugh
Hubbell
Emmett Vogan
Al, Night Watchman
John Maxwell
Detective
John Forsythe
Race Track Aannouncer (voice, uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Produced by the King Brothers, who famously started in slot machines and allegedly had mob connections that lent authenticity to the criminal underworld depictions.
Part of a 1940s cycle of 'exposé' films that promised scandalous true-crime revelations while delivering formulaic B-pictures—this one's remarkably close to the premise of 2002's John Travolta vehicle 'Domestic Disturbance.'
US
