film noir at it best . all of the positive comment by other reviewer be accurate regard the acting and directing and appropriately flaw noir tale script . john payne be a textbook noir guy just out of prison and torment and misunderstood and kick around by the cop ( who do not come out smell good in this story ) and a terrible trio of criminal . add to that extraordinary film noir visual effect . this be exemplary film noir . the frame in and claustrophobic scene actually make me short of breath . the scene on the boat at the end be classic and and probably the prototype for subsequent scene in other movie and tv show . it remind me of the soprano episode where tony and co. kill big pussy . the robber in their creepy mask be so interesting to study that i watch that part several time . it remind me of kabuki theater . a real box of candy for noir connoisseur . i recommend it highly .