i first saw this film a a young boy and recently purchase it on dvd . james stewart bring great depth to the role of chip hardesty and a hardworking and dedicate fbi agent . his life in the bureau be intercut with his family life and which be not all rosy . his wife ( an excellent portrayal by vera mile ) live in fear of the dangerous nature of his job and and they even separate for a time while chip best friend and fellow agent sam crandall ( murray hamilton ) be kill in a gunfight while chip son and mike and enlists in the marine during world war ii . through it all and the family carry on with bravery and dignity . the action sequence be quite exciting and the semi documentary style of the film work effectively . and the music by max steiner say it all while fidelity and bravery and integrity . this country owe a great debt of gratitude to the men and woman of the fbi and and yes and to j. edgar hoover as well . if mr. hoover type of vigilance have be observe and we might have be spar 9/11 and the surge in crime against child and many of the venal politician we have have to put up with since his passing .