"Lang builds the film's routine melodrama into a snappy commentary on moral depravity and eye-for-an-eye retribution." - Ed Gonzalez

Yet another underwhelming entry from Lang's American output. Except for a few lyrical touches, there was nothing remarkable about it. The music didn't add much, the performances were fine but not noteworthy, the pacing was a bit sluggish, the plot construction was nothing extraordinary. That said, nothing about the film irritated me either, it just didn't rise far above "average" to me.

The visual design screams Lang, but the script is witless and the acting is terrible. Not a particularly good film, but there are worse ways to pass the time.

The entire plot becomes evident quickly, but it's nicely executed and the cinematography is fantastic. It's interesting the way the lead is never sympathetic, making the audience touchstone be the two supporting characters. It's something that could have tried my patience, but Lang balances focus well, and the pacing is very steady, consistently revealing slight turns of the story until a predictable but effective finale. Strong performances help push this up a notch, even if it never marvels.

Low budget thriller with good work by Louis Hayward. There is a shower scene here that may have influenced "Psycho."