Fear

The programmer's a compelling noir except for the Production Code's required Hollywood ending. Up to that end point, however, the narrative amounts to a dark look into the ravages of psychological guilt. Larry's got a promising future as a med-student, but he also can't make tuition for his final school year. Dead broke, he's about to get tossed out of his fleabag apartment for non-payment. Desperate, Larry feels driven to murdering his pawn-brokering professor for the cash box riches he's hidden. Trouble is Larry's haunted by his crime, especially when fate delivers an unexpected publisher's check for an article he's written. Had he waited just one more day, he wouldn't have needed to murder for money. How cruel is fate and how relentless now are the cops.

Actor Cookson as Larry delivers an appropriately grim facade up to the end. To me, he, is an unknown performer, but subtly effective in the conflicted role. At the same time, there's something about him reminiscent of a sinister Tony Perkins. And how about the luscious Anne Gwynne. Her available presence makes his predicament that much worse. Then too, there's the magisterial Warren William as the head cop, taking a break from his ruthless pre-Code businessmen, e.g. Employee's Entrance (1933).

There're also some unsettling touches-- the onrushing train that crushes us all, the magic act that beheads without showing us recovery, the ominous black cat that awaits poor Larry. These are just some of the imaginative touches leading us to a bleak world where anything might happen.

Anyway, the programmer may be an atmospheric cheapo, but had the producers been able to complete the tale without the cop-out ending, it would also rise way above that meager status. So, when you see Larry cross the street at the near end, reach for the off-button. It's worth it.