A Dutch company's owner bankrupts his own company, burns the incriminating ledgers and plans to run to Paris with the company funds but he is caught in the act by his accountant who challenges his actions, leading to a reversal of roles.
An investment banker, happily married and seemingly content, is revealed to be a kleptomaniac with a secret life. His compulsion leads him to steal small items, eventually escalating to larger thefts that threaten his respectable facade. The story explores the hidden darkness beneath a veneer of respectability and the psychological complexities of compulsion.
The film received a mixed to positive reception, with critics often praising its psychological depth and Sterling Hayden's performance. However, some found the pacing to be uneven, and the narrative's descent into obsession was seen as both compelling and occasionally melodramatic.
Google audience: Audience reception data for this older film on Google is not readily available. However, general sentiment suggests appreciation for the exploration of psychological themes and Hayden's acting.
The film is based on the 1934 novel of the same name by G. B. Stern.
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