This unusual RKO supporting feature was ambitious to say the least. Its director was a prolific French born veteran of numerous American features, George Archainbaud. Some of his work has been recognised for its artistic merits (13 Women '32 - The Lost Squadron '32) Archainbaud turned to TV later in his career. The involved and imaginative story was penned by generally undistinguished writer De Vallon Scott - both the direction and story were worthy of being treated to main feature status. An interesting, above average cast bring this rather complicated tale to life with dedicated conviction. Gig Young (why he chose to lump himself with that peculiar name is beyond understanding) plays a dedicated public defender working to uncover the truth behind a re-opened murder case that spans a pre and post WW11 timeline. To save on investigative expenses he asks for assistance from his retired ex-cop father (the always interesting Harry Shannon who played the father of 'Citizen Kane' in '41) together, they make a formidable team.
The time distance between the original crime can make keeping track of this intriguing plot a little difficult - as the audience is expected to remember who the players are - and with most not being particularly well known, this demands some concentration - especially as the war years have brought various changes to their circumstances and appearances. It also looks as if RKO may have shortened the production schedule or made post production cuts at some stage (?) There's no boring padding within this story, it starts and holds fast to the main threads till the end - while it could have done with a tad more character development to assist us to more readily identify them. The casting makes good use of James Anderson (To Kill A Mockingbird '62) and a bevy of wonderful looking - hard working B feature women, including Mary Anderson (Lifeboat '44), Carla Balenda (Sealed Cargo '51).
Especially interesting is the Grace Kellyish; Christy Palmer, who plays the eventual wife to the Gerald Mohr character. Christy Palmer, who in real life married actor Alan Baxter, doesn't seem to have stared in any other film (our loss!) she is another plus for this little movie. Good use is also made of a variety of character actors all given snappy lines to bolster interest as it speedily rolls along. Visually, it's perfectly captured on film by the marvellous Nicholas Musuraca. Above average and under recognised.
Note: The old C&C TV print currently being run on local Aust TV is in need of replacing and either they are running it at a faster speed or they have clipped it - as it only clocks in at 65m while being listed at 69mins. Those four mins just might have helped with further character recognition.
