Martin Rome is tough criminal who
killed a cop and now on a hospital bed struggling for life. Cops awaiting his
recovery to put him on trial and an attorney need him for confession to save
his client in a murder and jewel robbery case. Marty managed to escape from
imprisoned hospital bed to check the things out and save his girl in jeopardy
but adds another murder on his account. All the guys who helped him were nabbed
by the law except him. The nemesis was awaiting him in most unusual way.
Robert Siodmak made some of the
finest noir films in 40s and this is one of his gripping and intensifying noir with
tough and strong characters with plot that balances both sentiments and cynicism.
The highlight of the film is stellar performances by its both lead men. Victor
Mature’s Cop act as Candella manages to win our sympathy as upright lawman who
is also family friend of Marty, played by Richard Conte with tough and arrogant
Italian mannerism in his act. Don’t know whether it’s only me or others but I
found quite close similarity of Conte’s look, facial expressions, body language
and dialogue delivery with one of my favorite Indian actor Mr. Balraj Sahni.
The conflict between Marty and Candella brought many intense and emotional
scenes including the climax at church. The film turns out perhaps the first
American film that portrayed the Italian family & crime connection in Hollywood cinema with many memorable scenes that later
typifies the genre.
Ratings-7.5/10
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