Victor Mature and Coleen Gray star in this 1947 suspense filled drama of violence and betrayal directed by Henry Hathaway. Richard Widmark makes his screen debut in spectacular fashion as a psychopathic killer with a cackling laugh.
Rather than squeal on his associates in a botched jewel robbery Mature's character takes the rap and goes to prison. He's Italian and it's an unwritten code of honor. However, his wife and two small children are left behind only to be abandoned by his so-called friends. His desperate wife takes her own life leading him to finally cooperate with the police. He is asked to infiltrate a criminal organization, something that puts him and his family in danger.
This crime drama was shot on location in New York City which really adds to its authenticity. The opening scene, shot in a crowded elevator in NY's Chrysler building is one of the great openings in film noir history. However, the most memorable and influential scene in the film comes later when Richard Widmark, playing the crazed killer Tommy Odo, pushes a wheelchair bound old woman down a flight of steps. ###
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| Richard Widmark and Victor Mature |
