This is like a glimpse at an alternate universe where Edgar Ulmer had access to A-list budgets. Perhaps it's for the best that he was held in the purgatory of Poverty Row - his story gets away from him within ten minutes here. The musical segments, shot with grace, are the film's unequivocal highlight. It's nice to see Ulmer get a chance to stretch his legs - this film is by far his longest, over twice as long as Detour! - but the size of this project didn't bring out the best in my man.