i have never hear of this film before the recent dvd release . now i be wonder why it hasn not turn up in those essential film noir list . everything about it be terrific a tight script with snappy dialog and sharply draw character and outstanding noir cinematography and solid performance and and a story as relentless a a greek tragedy . the los angeles location shooting be fantastic and the film be worth see for that alone . in that respect and crime wave could be consider the l. a. counterpart of jules dassin the naked city . i also enjoy the many pov drive shot . david buttolph score the film sparingly but strongly and with just a couple of excite cue at critical point in the story . if youre a noir fan and do not miss this one .