In fact, in my opinion, this is the best noir movie ever made. Starring the charismatic Hans Albers (who is supported by a first-rate cast led by Marta Eggerth and Gerda Maurus), it's a movie that will indeed knock you right out of your seat - thanks to the fast-paced direction of Richard Eichberg, plus the atmospherically noirish photography and the bleak, if crowded and often overwhelming sets, plus, of course, the fast-paced script. No money has been spared! There is plenty of first- rate action here from start to finish. The only unreal touch is the way our hero, Hans Albers, always looks so dashing (he was born in 1892) and self-confident, no matter how craftily the cards are stacked against him! An excellent print is now available on an IHF Sovexport DVD. The only catch is that there are no sub-titles, but I managed to follow the action-packed, if somewhat circuitous plot with only a small amount of difficulty, despite the fact that I know less than two hundred words in German!
Review of Der Draufgänger
