The movie stars Peter Lorre, John McGuire, and Margaret Tallichet, and featuring Elisha Cook Jr.
The script was credited to Frank Partos. Nathanael West wrote the final version of the screenplay, but he was uncredited.
Nonetheless, it has many of the hallmarks of film noir: an urban setting, heavy shadows, diagonal lines, voice-over narration, a dream sequence, low camera angles shooting up multi-story staircases, and an innocent protagonist desperate to clear himself after being falsely accused of a crime.
Narrative Premise:
Reporter Michael Ward (John McGuire) is the key witness in a murder trial. His evidence, that he saw the accused, Joe Briggs, standing over the body of a man in a diner, is instrumental in having Briggs found guilty.
Meanwhile, Ward’s fiancée Jane (Margaret Tallichet) begins worrying that Ward may not have been correct in what he saw; eventually Ward himself becomes haunted by this question.
Considering its low budget (less than $200,000), this RKO picture boasts striking visual style (courtesy of noir maestro Nicholas Musuraca) and a sustained menacing tone.
The director shows that he is more skillful in handling the technical aspects of the film than skills than with narrative logic or character development, thus merits its label of B-level movie.
Spoiler Alert:
The happy ending with the couple declaring marriage plans makes no sense, considering that it follows right after the death of Lorre’s character.
Obscure Director: Boris Ingster (Only 3 films)
Peter Lorre as The Stranger
John McGuire as Mike Ward
Margaret Tallichet as Jane
Charles Waldron as District Attorney
Elisha Cook Jr. as Joe Briggs
Charles Halton as Albert Meng
Ethel Griffies as Mrs. Kane, Michael’s landlady
Cliff Clark as Martin
Oscar O’Shea as the Judge
Alec Craig as Briggs’ Defense Attorney
Emory Parnell as Detective
Credits:
Directed by Boris Ingster
Screenplay by Frank Partos, Nathanael West (uncredited), Story by Frank Partos
Produced by Lee S. Marcus
Cinematography Nicholas Musuraca
Edited by Harry Marker
Music by Roy Webb
Production company: RKO Radio Pictures
Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures
Release date: August 16, 1940 (US)
Running time: 62 minutes
Budget $171,200
