there may not be a more ironic scene in film than henry fonda confrontation with the priest at prison gate . or a more pungent line than his they make me a murderer . or a more fatalistic end than you have here . the point be that the best ingredient of film noir be present in a film make 10 year before film noir peak . that how far ahead fritz lang vision be . sure he go on to make the big heat and scarlet street among others . but you only live once be his stark glimpse at man small place in a vast and oppressive society where good intention be powerless in a black universe .