Even though he saw his gangster father cut down by police bullets, you have to wonder how a kind hearted, sympathetic character as Nick Bianco, well played by Victor Mature, settled down to a life of crime.
In addition, was there anything going on with Nick and the babysitter while Nick's wife was living? They sure teamed up quickly and Nick remarried very fast after his wife's suicide.
Despite these possible flaws, we have an engrossing film dealing with a gangster must face when he starts squealing on fellow mob members.
Of course, Richard Widmark steals the movie with his performance of the insane hooligan with that memorable laugh, eerie smile and depraved indifference to human life. Throwing a wheel-chair bound Mildred Dunnock down the stairs was most shocking. It would take a performance such as the one given by Edmund Gwenn in the family tradition film, "Miracle on 34th St." to defeat Widmark. Ironically, Widmark was never Oscar nominated again.
In addition, was there anything going on with Nick and the babysitter while Nick's wife was living? They sure teamed up quickly and Nick remarried very fast after his wife's suicide.
Despite these possible flaws, we have an engrossing film dealing with a gangster must face when he starts squealing on fellow mob members.
Of course, Richard Widmark steals the movie with his performance of the insane hooligan with that memorable laugh, eerie smile and depraved indifference to human life. Throwing a wheel-chair bound Mildred Dunnock down the stairs was most shocking. It would take a performance such as the one given by Edmund Gwenn in the family tradition film, "Miracle on 34th St." to defeat Widmark. Ironically, Widmark was never Oscar nominated again.