this be a great example of a rather simple film noir story that be handle exceptionally well thanks to excellent direction by otto preminger as well a some lovely acting performance . dana andrews star a a hot head detective who all too often use his fist instead of his brain . soon after the film begin and andrews be be reprimand for this and be warn that if this continue he will be off the force . a bit later and while investigate a crime he attack by a suspect and andrew be force to fight to protect himself . this time he do not use excessive force but the assailant be kill . andrew panic and assume they would not believe him so he try to cover up the death though instead an innocent man be ultimately blame for the crime . there a lot more to the film than this include a plot involve a slimy villain ( gary merrill ) and a love interest for andrew ( gene tierney ) . all in all and this be one of the good example of the genre with great gritty dialog and superb lighting and a simple yet very effective story . this be the way noir be mean to be .