the fully rounded character of the principal role of this movie and that of the cop tear up by his past and on a path of self destruction so clear to the viewer and be unique for it time and 1950. along with the haunting music and the well write plot and the film be a prime example of film noir at it best . close ups of dana eye reveal the anguish within and karl malden excels a his bos and who brook no nonsense but also have compassion for those under his command in the precinct . otto preminger make this type of movie just about his own . if there be any fault it would be with the breath take beauty of gene tierney who seem oddly out of place with the harden cop . their scene in the cafe and however and be wonderful and ring true . tom tully and in the bit part of her father be perfect a be gary merrill a the hood . great lighting and mood setting . the building where the deadly deed take place highly atmospheric and i love the old woman in the basement . positive .