This film is a study in stark black and white and the storm drain finale is superb. The cinematography is probably the major reason that this film is well respected, although Richard Basehart certainly contributes to its reputation.
Basehart found his best role as the icy man on a mission. He was a rather strange looking actor to begin with which added to his menace. The rest of the cast are throw-aways, only background for Basehart's character. This is not to say that they do an inferior job but the viewer's interest is concentrated on Basehart and his skewed personality. (Of course, we all know what influence the film had on Jack Webb's career on the development of "Dragnet".) The film tends to move rather slowly at times but it all ends with one of the greatest chases in film history.....through the storm drains of Los Angeles with the already mentioned Alton touch.
This is a small film that is worth watching. It is a primer for the appreciation of black and white cinematography
Basehart found his best role as the icy man on a mission. He was a rather strange looking actor to begin with which added to his menace. The rest of the cast are throw-aways, only background for Basehart's character. This is not to say that they do an inferior job but the viewer's interest is concentrated on Basehart and his skewed personality. (Of course, we all know what influence the film had on Jack Webb's career on the development of "Dragnet".) The film tends to move rather slowly at times but it all ends with one of the greatest chases in film history.....through the storm drains of Los Angeles with the already mentioned Alton touch.
This is a small film that is worth watching. It is a primer for the appreciation of black and white cinematography