I recently caught this film, and inspire of its ...slightly above middle-range rating, I decided to watch it.
After all, it's an early
Rock Hudson film,but, for me, the real clincher was it had a rare film appearance by the incomparable Ms
Julie London.
I'm too young to have experienced the age of radio (but, I did grow up listening, nightly, to CBS Radio Myster Theater to understand just how great it could be), and an eclectic group of actors, as well as directed by Mr
William Castle made this too intriguing to not give a chance.
I'm very happy I did.
The story's a classic, 'whodunnit', and it's got all the 'bells and whistles' of a really good noir film (aside from inky-black scenes shot in various locations), including a couple of character actors who should be familiar to most - if not by name, nor appearances, but, by their singular voices, and mannerisms (Messers
William Castle,and
Marvin Kaplan, as the 'fat man's' assistant, bill, and as 'pinkie', an uncredited role as a delivery truck assistant/brother-in-law).
I never knew Mr Castle had made any noir films, a d after enjoying this one, I really wish he had, because, he knows how to use his abilities in this genre, and have them work to their fullest.
This is a real hidden gem!
