this be one fine make movie . it have a greatly write script and a top notch cast . it sound like a cliché of course but it a real shame that movie like these aren not be make and write anymore . at least not on such a commercially large scale and with such fine big name actor in it . movie like this aren not make anymore simply because movie like this do not really sell and unless they be be make exceptionally good . it not really a film noir and although the movie certainly show similarity to the atmosphere and the story also show noir tendency . the movie in the end be perhaps a bit too light to consider it a real film noir and also because it feature quite an amount of subtle black comedy . the story be solidly construct and focus on three different character and plot line that of course be all still connect to each other . the fine script be write by hollywood legend john huston . it feature lot of deep theme such a greed and jealousy . you really start to care about the character and their problem . something that isn not too common for a 40 genre movie . it not always an easy movie to watch and follow so make sure you watch this movie with a clear head . the dialog might be a bit overlong by todays standard but it so fine write and deliver by the actor that you tend to look past this . the movie get really carry by the three main character and that equally share the screen time . i be especially impress by sydney greenstreet and which also might due to the fact that he have the best or at least most credible plot line . peter lorre also play a great role and give a fine performance . geraldine fitzgerald be definitely the least of the three actor and she tend to overact a bit in some of the dramatic sequence . but overall her role be also really a solid one and it say something about the quality of the act from lorre and greenstreet to say that fitzgerald give the less performance of the movie . alan napier also play a small role . oh man and it really seem to be that this guy be in about every old movie that i watch lately . napier receive his most fame for play the butler alfred in the adam west batman series from the 60 . the editing of the movie be also surprisingly good and fast . instead of long single camera sequence and the movie cut back and forth between different camera position in the same sequence rapidly . it give the story speed and help to keep you interest even during the more slow and dull moment of the movie . the fine little musical score be from acclaim composer adolph deutsch and whose music suit this movie and it atmosphere really well . it a fine good old fashion quality movie and make with limited resource but with fine expert involve . positive .