One of the most famous film noirs there is, which ticks all the boxes - a complicated plot involving dames, sex, betrayal and a pile of cash which is impossible to follow; a doomed hero wearing a trench coast; a femme fetale; a Mr Big who has tentacles everywhere; gorgeous shots of cigarette smoke (I wonder how many people took up the habit after seeing film noir); darkened alleys and corrupt small towns; the innocence of the great outdoors; redemption and death; wise cracking and nihilistic dialogue ("baby I don't care"); a good but honest woman; a downbeat ending; the theme of being unable to escape your fate.
Robert Mitchum is in great form as the smart detective who gets sucked into the tale by two vipers: Jane Greer (who never became a big star - I guess she lacked the charisma of Ava Gardner - but is good here) and Kirk Douglas, who is superb. Strong support cast, too, and wonderful atmosphere.
The story has a problem - instead of building momentum it restarts around half an hour in when Mitchum is given a whole new mission (i.e. find the tax records). And does it really need to be so confusing?
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