An auspicious debut for energetic Robert Preston, this economical little B picture rises above the mundane largely because of its brisk pace and excellent performances...Preston and Lloyd Nolan (younger than I've ever seen him) are maritime radio operators relegated for a tour aboard a tramp steamer as a disciplinary action because of their penchant for wrecking cafes and bars while ashore, engaging in their violent camaradie and alpha male competition. In short, the two men are still just overgrown boys. However, when an escaped racketeer murderer and his gang pass themselves off as legitimate passengers and soon take over the ship, they both have to grow up fast or die, along with others that get in the way. The second half of the film builds a good deal of tension as the two men put their lives at risk in desperate attempts to thwart the murderous gangster, so aptly portrayed by J. Carrol Naish.
Review of King of Alcatraz
