Catch that opening hook that sets the stage for what follows. Poor Terry (Robinson) is going blurry-eyed nutzoid with four walls closing around him. Good thing he's not back in prison. It's a highly suspenseful entry, with an especially strong turn by James Gregory as the gang leader who really makes you believe it. I like the way the script fills in important details as it goes along. That adds to interest.
So what is the heist gang going to do with that odd-looking cylinder they stole along with the money. Worse, why is gangster Al's (Fell) hand burning now that he's fooled with it. It's a good imaginative gimmick— (catch Vince Edwards in City of Fear {1959} for similar gripping gimmick). The relationship Terry has with next-door sweetie Carol (Ross) figures nicely into the main plot, and is not just an eye-appealing add-on. Still, the ending is more Hollywood than Hitchcock, and should have been part of Hitch's wrap-up. In my little book, it compromises too much of the tough tone that's gone before. Nonetheless, this is a compelling little suspenser not to be missed.