If this had been made a decade before, it's obvious to me that Darren McGavin's role would have been played by Arthur Kennedy. It's a dark character whom the audience will find sympathy for even when he threatens the life of one time best friend Audie Murphy. McGavin has broken out of prison and is furious to discover that Murphy has married his wife Ruta Lee and raising his son, and while they still have a brotherly connection, McGavin is determined to get even.
As McGavin's character intends on robbing a bank, it's obvious that he hasn't reformed, especially when he involves a group of Apaches in his plan. Take away the wild west and put this in a big city, and replace the Apaches with gang members, and you have the makings of a tough talking film noir with the psychological themes already present. McGavin easily steals the film from Murphy and Lee, and is aided by support performances by Skip Homeier, Alan Hale Hr. And George Tobias. This isn't always a logical script, but the photography, music and editing adds strength to the shortcomings.
As McGavin's character intends on robbing a bank, it's obvious that he hasn't reformed, especially when he involves a group of Apaches in his plan. Take away the wild west and put this in a big city, and replace the Apaches with gang members, and you have the makings of a tough talking film noir with the psychological themes already present. McGavin easily steals the film from Murphy and Lee, and is aided by support performances by Skip Homeier, Alan Hale Hr. And George Tobias. This isn't always a logical script, but the photography, music and editing adds strength to the shortcomings.