The Crooked Way
Some noirs glide; this one stumbles a bit — but it does so with real flair. The Crooked Way follows a war veteran suffering from amnesia who returns to Los Angeles to rebuild his life, only to find everyone remembers him for all the wrong reasons. The plot ties itself in knots, but there’s enough atmosphere to make you forgive it.
John Alton’s cinematography is the real star. For a modest B-noir, it looks extraordinary — all stark contrasts, slicing neon, and clever use of darkness. Every alley and bar feels like it’s keeping a secret. Director Robert Florey works wonders on a shoestring, proving imagination can easily outshine money.
The story might lose its bearings, yet the style never wavers. The Crooked Way lives up to its name — a little crooked, sure, but still heading somewhere interesting.
John Alton’s cinematography is the real star. For a modest B-noir, it looks extraordinary — all stark contrasts, slicing neon, and clever use of darkness. Every alley and bar feels like it’s keeping a secret. Director Robert Florey works wonders on a shoestring, proving imagination can easily outshine money.
The story might lose its bearings, yet the style never wavers. The Crooked Way lives up to its name — a little crooked, sure, but still heading somewhere interesting.
Mini Review: A war veteran with amnesia returns to Los Angeles to rebuild his life, only to discover a past he’d rather forget. The Crooked Way may twist itself into knots, but John Alton’s neon-lit cinematography and Robert Florey’s inventive direction make it shine far above its budget. Stylish, moody, and a little lost — just like its hero.