Leonard Maltin didn't like this film and I've got to admit it certainly isn't one of Bogart's more acclaimed movies. I agree that the plot is kind of silly, but I actually enjoyed the film despite this and liked that the film was willing to take risks. Therefore, I think I enjoyed it a little more than Maltin, but not much.
Bogart definitely plays against type-casting, as he's a crazy husband who murders his wife in order to wed another! Yes, I know this sounds a lot like a cheesy soap opera or an episode of Jerry Springer. BUT, despite this it is engaging. It actually seemed believable at times thanks to interesting writing. However, there are a few dumb moments that prevent this film from being better. In particular, when Barbara Stanwyck is about to be killed, she just stands there like an idiot--even though SHE is the one with the gun. And, like a cliché, he hits her and takes it away. Any character that dumb deserves to be killed. If she had just plugged him, the film would have earned at least a 7!
Bogart definitely plays against type-casting, as he's a crazy husband who murders his wife in order to wed another! Yes, I know this sounds a lot like a cheesy soap opera or an episode of Jerry Springer. BUT, despite this it is engaging. It actually seemed believable at times thanks to interesting writing. However, there are a few dumb moments that prevent this film from being better. In particular, when Barbara Stanwyck is about to be killed, she just stands there like an idiot--even though SHE is the one with the gun. And, like a cliché, he hits her and takes it away. Any character that dumb deserves to be killed. If she had just plugged him, the film would have earned at least a 7!