Walk Softly, Stranger

No, folks, this isn't "noir." Not even "pseudo-noir." What we have here is an RKO melodrama, adequately directed by Robert Stevenson, who would end his career as a Disney mainstay. Yes, this is the same director who is responsible for "Mary Poppins."

The acting is fine, although the plot is forced and muddled. The first two-thirds of the film works well, but everything seems to fall apart during the last twenty minutes.

Cotten is his usual professional self. "Villa" performs her part quite well. Regardless, this flick plays as a definite "B" movie.

If only the finale had kept up with the promising premise.