Directed by Anthony Mann & Alfred L. Werker. Starring Scott Brady, Richard Basehart, Whit Bissell, Roy Roberts, James Cardwell, Jack Webb.
A manhunt is underway for cop-killer Basehart, an uncommonly intelligent and elusive criminal with a working knowledge of law enforcement strategy. Taut, atmospheric crime noir helped establish the style of modern police procedurals (alongside "The Naked City" released the same year). Some of the early, documentary-style scenes suffer from static presentation and colorless dialogue; more dynamic second half makes up for it, including a drainage tunnel chase that predates (and may have influenced) the one from "The Third Man." The directorial contributions by Mann, who took over from Werker mid-production, went uncredited. Working with the technical advisers, co-star Webb was inspired by the production to later create the popular radio and TV program, "Dragnet."
75/100
A manhunt is underway for cop-killer Basehart, an uncommonly intelligent and elusive criminal with a working knowledge of law enforcement strategy. Taut, atmospheric crime noir helped establish the style of modern police procedurals (alongside "The Naked City" released the same year). Some of the early, documentary-style scenes suffer from static presentation and colorless dialogue; more dynamic second half makes up for it, including a drainage tunnel chase that predates (and may have influenced) the one from "The Third Man." The directorial contributions by Mann, who took over from Werker mid-production, went uncredited. Working with the technical advisers, co-star Webb was inspired by the production to later create the popular radio and TV program, "Dragnet."
75/100