i consider this film to be the best one about mike hammer and with biff elliott performance the definitive mike hammer . harry essex script be excellent and contain many improvement on mickey spillane novel . his direction be strong and imaginative and and he make fine use of light and shadow . the camera work by john alton be top notch and a be the score by franz waxman . the cast include many veteran player and as well a peggie castle in her memorable performance a charlotte manning . all in all and this be one of the fine private eye film ever make . biff elliott and haary essex should have receive more opportunity . i have always treasure this film .