This atmospheric drama is Warners film making at near its best. Part family drama, part nightclub story with many touches of noir thrown in this is a fine example of what could be termed a factory film from Hollywood's golden age. That is meant to be a compliment, by having all the necessary components on salary...actors, directors and technicians the studios were able to turn out fine entertainments like this consistently.
As far as this particular picture goes it contains what might be Ida Lupino's best performance she's saucy, funny but still able to do the heavy lifting dramatics that the role requires at times. Plus she looks sensational, her clothes are amazing she wears them with great style and dig the forties slang they sling around.
Also quite good is Robert Alda as a sleazy nightclub owner and Dolores Moran as an incredibly beautiful but very foolish tramp across the hall. The film's only real weak spot is Bruce Bennett a handsome but bland leading man who is miscast as a man of mystery that Ida finds irresistible, that's the problem he is very easily resistible. If the part had been cast with an actor with a more charismatic presence like Kirk Douglas or Robert Mitchum it would have made the picture even stronger.
This was the inspiration for Scorsese's New York, New York and while the story differs it's easy to see his influences with the atmosphere here. A fine film overall anchored by great work from one of the best and most undervalued of actresses Ida Lupino.
13 out of 16 found this helpful