Tony returns from the Pacific Theatre to fight his own war on American soil. Betrayed by an engagement ring, he’s framed for a murdering his ex-crime boss Big Jim while on his way to make peace with him, the kingpin's niece soon to be Tony’s future femme. This mediocre crime drama relies on trite characterizations and coincidence to complete its final act, and William Castle’s direction is bland and lukewarm. DP Irving Glassberg’s compositions are formulaic, mimicking noir style without deeper expression.
Tony Reagan (Scott Brady) returns from the Pacific to sign a business contract with his dead buddy’s father, to become business partner in a little fishing lodge outside Reno. Tony was involved with the Chicago Syndicate in the years before the Second World War, but he’s turning over a new leaf. A chance meeting with the ingenue Ann McKnight (Peggy Dow), a Chicago schoolteacher, gives him a friend when he needs one most. Tony is going to marry Sally (Dorothy Hart) but wants Big Jim’s permission before the union. Unfortunately, a fatal conspiracy lands Tony on the lam, and he must rely on both his new friend and his childhood cohort Reckling (Bruce Bennett), a Detective who believes in his innocence. There is little surprise who did the framing, and it doesn’t take a genius to know that the large rock on Sally’s finger is a dead giveaway. It’s frustrating that Tony fails to recognize this sooner! We get a femme fatale, fistfights, shootout, chases, kidnapping and a large black man who takes three slugs point blank before beating his benefactor’s murderer to pulp. This all sounds way more exciting than its execution.
The acting is mostly dull, as Scott Brady exudes little charisma. The rest of the cast lacks charm or interest, acting as caricatures as opposed to complex people. The exception is Peggy Dow whose naivete and honest beauty is disarming. Even Dorothy Hart as the fatal fiancé isn’t given any juicy scenes or dialogue. The actor’s failure is mostly the fault of a tepid script.
Of course, it all ends happily ever after for our hero and his new schoolmarm but not so much for Sally and her underhanded beau.
Final Grade: (C)
