This is a decent expose on a government agent (Howard Duff) who utilizes an imprisioned con (Dan Duryea) to help him expose the big bosses behind a narcotics ring that was responsible for hooking his wife on dope which ultimately killed her. This leads Duff and Duryea (who hates him) from the streets of San Francisco to the Canadian border and finally to Tulsa where all comes together in a gripping climax. Following them from the border to Tulsa is mob moll Shelley Winters, mistress to one of the big men (Barry Kelley) who claims that she wants to get away from the mob. Can two men on the opposite sides of the law actually work together, and is Winters actually sincere? That's the questions that are asked in this interesting low budget Universal crime drama with a few elements of film nor thrown in.
Excellent use of locations and good performances help get over the cliches of the story which is told through death's point of view. it is directed by William Castle, best known for his series of schlock horror films of the late 1950's and early 1960's. The film is told straight forward without gimmick and moves at a fast pace that will keep you gripped. Tony Curtis, in one of his very first films, is very recognizable but doesn't speak a word, obviously being given elocution lessons before being given lines. Above average for a B picture with terrific photography and tight editing helping everything move along nicely.
Excellent use of locations and good performances help get over the cliches of the story which is told through death's point of view. it is directed by William Castle, best known for his series of schlock horror films of the late 1950's and early 1960's. The film is told straight forward without gimmick and moves at a fast pace that will keep you gripped. Tony Curtis, in one of his very first films, is very recognizable but doesn't speak a word, obviously being given elocution lessons before being given lines. Above average for a B picture with terrific photography and tight editing helping everything move along nicely.