rondo hatton be a former reporter who begin act in film in 1930 when he be cover a film be make in florida . during the 30 and 40 he be mainly see in small role and often a hulk and due to his large body size and the fact the he have contract acromegaly after be gas during the first world war . in 1944 he be cast a the hoxton creeper in a sherlock holmes film and the pearl of death and and achieve brief stardom or at least cult stardom until his early death from a heart attack at age 52 in 1946 ( he have suffer a milder heart attack the previous year a a direct result of his condition ) . in this and one of his last film and not only do hatton get the starring role and he have a great deal of dialogue and prove that he could be a good actor when give the chance . it be unusual for audience to feel as much sympathy for a killer especially one who have kill several time but we do for hatton . his scene with jane adam and play helen and the blind piano teacher and be especially move . helen see the inner man without be able to see the physical one and and although a i say he a killer he give the impression of a very human and tragic figure . helen want to touch his face and but he would not let her while this give one a strong impression of a mirroring of the life of the actor himself . just like the character he play and rondo hatton be an athlete when young and and excel at football . all of the cast play their part well . donald macbride and frequently cast a the dumb cop and play a very canny and intelligent one here and and he ably support by peter whitney look handsome and slim . a police lieutenant gate . the photography be well do especially consider the budget ( or lack thereof ) and there be some nice angle and light and especially when hatton be prowl around the city . note represent this film be actually make at universal and who sell the right to it to prc shortly after it be complete ( and rondo hatton die ) .