Pine-Thomas' only real attempt to make a "critics' picture" is pretty good, helped by some quality talent - Daniel Mainwaring wrote the script, based on his novel, and Joseph Losey directed. It uses some Paramount stars, Macdonald Carey and Gail Russell, who are effective. Russell's sad eyes suit the role.
It's about prejudice against Mexicans in a California border town. The emphasis is on white Carey, a journalist, who doesn't really have skin in the game... but I recognise that sort of compromise is needed to make the movie work.
There's a satisfying riot and a good deal of intelligence. It's a shame they had to rely on a "fake rape" narrative and a kindly rich white man to come along at the end and fix things. Tab Hunter has a small part - it was his debut.
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