Victor Mature, revealing himself a more sensitive actor than many suspected, gave one of his best performances in this brisk thriller as a petty thief turned stoolpigeon. Even so, the acting honours went straight to Richard Widmark. Making his film debut as a psychopathic killer called Tommy Udo, and cackling hysterically as he tips one of his victims in a wheelchair down a flight of stairs, Widmark earned himself an Academy Award nomination in best supporting actor category - his only Oscar 'nod' to date. Director Henry Hathaway makes excellent use of a variety of well-chosen New York locations to add verisimiltude to the story. Good support comes from Karl Malden, Taylor Holmes, Millard Mitchell, Coleen Gray and Mildred Dunnock.

©ipc tx. Film content from TVTimes