Movie spotlight
A down-and-out student is hired to kill a wealthy woman. When someone else is suspected of the crime, the student taunts police until they realize that they may have to wrong man.
A determined Paris detective, Inspector Maillat, races against time to solve a brutal murder. The primary suspect, a seemingly mild-mannered engineer named John Smith, has confessed but claims he cannot remember the deed. As Maillat delves deeper, he uncovers a complex web of deceit, jealousy, and hidden motives, forcing him to confront the darker aspects of human nature and the slippery nature of truth itself.
The film garnered mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with particular praise directed at Charles Laughton's performance. While some critics found the plot to be somewhat convoluted, others appreciated its atmospheric tension and noir sensibilities. It's considered a notable, if somewhat overlooked, entry in the crime thriller genre of the era.
Charles Laughton delivers a compelling and memorable performance as the determined detective.
The film successfully captures a dark, atmospheric mood typical of film noir.
While the mystery is engaging, the narrative can occasionally feel somewhat slow or predictable.
Google audience: Audience reception information for this film is not readily available through common Google review aggregators.
Burgess Meredith, primarily known as an actor, made his directorial debut with this film.
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It's unfortunate that the "Ansco" colour film used on this 1949 adaptation of Georges Simenon's novel "A Battle of Nerves" has made much of this rather dreary crime caper feel as if you are watching it through yellow cellophane. Despite Cha...