The story is remarkably similar to SOMEWHERE IN THE NIGHT from a few years earlier. Plotwise it's not nearly as compelling, a rather uninteresting gangster story with bland characters. Decent performances, but only Percy Helton really stands out. However, this has to be one the best-looking noirs out there, thanks once again to the talents of John Alton. The entire picture is simply gorgeous, textbook noir. It's a shame that such impressive visuals aren't attached to a more engaging plot.

Good low-budget noir, with a strong performance from John Payne as an amnesiac in search of his history. His puzzled dull-eyed look--unique for him--is perfect for the part. Director Florey and cinematographer Alton create a brooding noir atmosphere while still managing to take advantage of Los Angeles location settings. Ellen Drew is vulnerably beautiful in her middle 30's, and Sonny Tufts--just before those drinking and biting incidents made him a national joke--makes a fine bad guy.