Directed by Franklin Adreon (1956). Republic Pictures. Cinematography by Bud Thackery. Johnny Morrison (Dane Clark) is just out of San Quentin after serving a year. He goes to confront Mitch who he believes double-crossed him. They fight, then Mitch falls to his death. Fleeing to his former employer Hackett (William Tallman, Perry Mason 1950s TV series), Hackett cheerfully confesses that it was he who framed Johnny to test his mettle. Hackett has a heist planned that will set them both up for life. With a suspicious police detective (Barton MacLane) looking into Mitch's death, Johnny has little choice but to go along. Naturally, things go wrong and there are betrayals. We root for Johnny, that he and his love (May Wynn) will finally succeed - but will film noir convention let that happen? The movie is virtually unknown but well worth your time.
Review of The Man Is Armed
