Although a period film, it fits the noir bill pretty well. Loaded with stark visuals, vicious brutality, elaborate deceptions, suspenseful tension and brisk action. Slow to get started, but once the protagonist gets introduced, it moves swiftly with intriguing turns. Cummings fails to bring enough weight to this role and Basehart is a disappointment. However, Arnold Moss shines as the slimy, duplicitous Fouché. Ultimately, the tight script and stunning cinematography overcome the weaknesses.

(obra-prima)

The plot is convoluted, the script--despite some interesting Communist witch hunt parallels--is often silly, and Robert Cummings is just not up to the task. Still, Arlene Dahl is beautiful, creepy Richard Basehart is very fastidious and epicene as Robespierre, and the photography and direction are invariably atmospheric, often startling, and occasionally atonishing. This is some of Mann and Alton's finest work. It's a shame they didn't have more of a script to work with.

There's quite a disconnect between the story (which makes a shame of French history, and has some of the silliest dialogue I've heard) and the visuals in the Mann/Alton collaboration. There are so many stunning shots that it almost overrides my brain saying "no!" while my eyes say "yes!"