NOTES: Charlton Heston's professional movie debut.
Locations filmed in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
All songs rendered by Lizabeth Scott.
COMMENT: Disappointing. The script seems so attenuated as to lose its promise of suspense and tension along the way of what turns out to be a long-winded yarn.
Romantic interludes with first Lizabeth Scott and then Viveca Lindfors don't help. And when the killer is finally revealed, it turns out to be a familiar cinema friend.
A lot of the initial promise is dissipated by songs - lots of songs - plus tedious and unbelievable romancing, and much talk (like the scenes in Jagger's office) to little purpose. More of the smart ripostes given to Jack Webb in the early sequences would have been most welcome. Also more action - what little we have is confined to the beginning and the climax.
Scott's performance is superficial, but Heston impresses in his professional screen debut, whilst Morgan, Webb and DeFore contribute solid support. To sum up, Heston was fortunate to make his debut in such good company. Begley and DeFore give stand-out portrayals and the rest of the players are no slackers either. Although disappointing in many respects, the script was directed with characteristic expertise by William Dieterle.
COMMENT: Disappointing. The script seems so attenuated as to lose its promise of suspense and tension along the way of what turns out to be a long-winded yarn.
Romantic interludes with first Lizabeth Scott and then Viveca Lindfors don't help. And when the killer is finally revealed, it turns out to be a familiar cinema friend.
A lot of the initial promise is dissipated by songs - lots of songs - plus tedious and unbelievable romancing, and much talk (like the scenes in Jagger's office) to little purpose. More of the smart ripostes given to Jack Webb in the early sequences would have been most welcome. Also more action - what little we have is confined to the beginning and the climax.
Scott's performance is superficial, but Heston impresses in his professional screen debut, whilst Morgan, Webb and DeFore contribute solid support. To sum up, Heston was fortunate to make his debut in such good company. Begley and DeFore give stand-out portrayals and the rest of the players are no slackers either. Although disappointing in many respects, the script was directed with characteristic expertise by William Dieterle.