A major disappointment. Melodramatic production featuring hammy script and often overwrought music (especially toward the beginning). The whole thing reeks of the Freudian 50s, as Franz spins his way through an emotional Cuisinart, frequently devastated by symbolic gestures which are lost on those of us who haven't opened up practices in Vienna. The approach here is too lush and big-studio to make for a decent noir; having said that though, Menjou is uncharacteristically gritty in his role.

Franz plays it rather complex, a tortured soul disturbed by his own actions and crying out for help. A lot of great actors in small roles here, including the always enjoyable Marie Windsor. Where the film falters is its rather heavy-handed message. It's not a bad message, but it's delivered ham-fistedly, most egregiously via a very soapbox-y lecture from the psychiatrist. Otherwise, it's a really stunning film with a lot of depth, tension, good score and provocative shots.

Excellent noir! Very nice look at the 1950's attitude towards mental illness. Loads and loads of amazing cinematography.

Pretty dark for the time period. Good effort.