Very loosely--very VERY loosely--based on the story of the real-life Murder Inc., but fictionalized to a ridiculous extent and sorely lacking in authenticity. Everett Sloan is miscast as a mob boss, and Bogie is... well, Bogie, playing a prosecutor based on Burton Turkus. Interesting to contrast his dynamic performance and star persona to a flaccid Henry Morgan in the same role in "Murder Inc." a few years later.
Zero Mostel is amusing as an overweight hood, and Ted DeCorsia is good, as usual. DeCorsia's role is based loosely on the real-life Abe Reles, later portrayed much more effectively in "Murder Inc." by Peter Falk.
Other performances and characterizations are only so-so. This is really more of a throwback to the Thirties than a genuine film noir, so it is of only mild interest to noir buffs.
Zero Mostel is amusing as an overweight hood, and Ted DeCorsia is good, as usual. DeCorsia's role is based loosely on the real-life Abe Reles, later portrayed much more effectively in "Murder Inc." by Peter Falk.
Other performances and characterizations are only so-so. This is really more of a throwback to the Thirties than a genuine film noir, so it is of only mild interest to noir buffs.