Not bad. Handsomely filmed and directed with some skill and style by S. Sylvan Simon. Still, it's a cold picture. The mystery is fairly intricate but there's probably two or three too many suspects, and all of them are thinly drawn. As the "plot thickens" you find yourself not caring all that much because the movie is so anchorless. The dilemmas aren't sharply enough drawn. It's all plot and posturing, precious little character development.
Acting honors go to Van Heflin, as the wiseacre private detective/suspect who has a hard time keeping his smart mouth shut. Heflin's free, relaxed, supremely confident technique is in stark contrast to the more formal (some might say "stiff") acting of most of his co-stars (specifically expressionless Tom Conway). Dishonors go to Sam Levene as the ill-tempered homicide cop assigned to the case. I believe he was a highly respected actor in his day, though mostly for his stage work, but in practically every screen performance I've seen, he seems uncomfortable. He's "acting" not "being." He appears to be on unfriendly terms with the camera, always aware of it.
Those who enjoy whodunits may find its flaws forgivable.
Acting honors go to Van Heflin, as the wiseacre private detective/suspect who has a hard time keeping his smart mouth shut. Heflin's free, relaxed, supremely confident technique is in stark contrast to the more formal (some might say "stiff") acting of most of his co-stars (specifically expressionless Tom Conway). Dishonors go to Sam Levene as the ill-tempered homicide cop assigned to the case. I believe he was a highly respected actor in his day, though mostly for his stage work, but in practically every screen performance I've seen, he seems uncomfortable. He's "acting" not "being." He appears to be on unfriendly terms with the camera, always aware of it.
Those who enjoy whodunits may find its flaws forgivable.