Tight film noir from Andre de Toth that is heavily admired (as such films usually are) by the French. One of its strongest features is the domestic scenes (between Dick Powell and Jane Wyatt) are really bright and funny. Also the femme fetale (Lizabeth Scott) isn't a femme fetale at all, but a genuinely nice person unlucky in love. And she and Powell really have sex - and his wife forgives him. Its all done believably and indicates Hollywood was growing up.
Powell offers solid work (his character complains about his dreary life - but I note he only works 9 to 5). I'm not a big Lizabeth Scott fan, but she's OK. Raymond Burr gives the stand out performance as a sleazy detective. The film seemed to lose some momentum in the last third when the action shifted from Burr to Scott's jealous boyfriend in gaol. I enjoyed it.
An interview with de Toth is here.
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