Sometimes referred to as the first true film noir. With deep cynicism, rich chiaroscuro lighting and Peter Lorre as a creepy lurker, it fits the bill. But what an eccentric film. The performances are off-kilter, even borderline crazy. The pacing is very unusual, the film takes a lengthy diversion for a dream sequence that's a near-masterpiece of expressionism. It's just a weird movie, one that almost seems "bad" but is still fascinating. It creeps under your skin, aided by some amazing visuals.

Great movie. Fine acting all around, and an excellent "noir" feel.

Peter Lorre. Nothing more need be said.

It may be the first noir, but it's not a very good one. There's some nice photography - the dream sequence is particularly well-shot - but the acting is pretty bad (the obnoxious characters don't help - christ, Elisha Cook Jr. can be annoying) and most of the film putters around with the lead character's overblown paranoia. Lorre makes a good creepy villain, but there's not much else to compliment here.

Peter Lorre plays an excellent creepy stranger, and Ward's Dostoevskyian dream sequence is deliciously and definitively noir.