SYNOPSIS: When a bank robber shoots a policeman, London's Daily Gazette offers a large reward for his capture. Reporter Janet Grahame, however, is more interested in capturing the story. She is both aided and hindered by her fellow reporters on the Gazette, particularly the double-crossing Carson (Ian Colin) and the sweet-talking, self-centered charmer, Jim Martin (James Mason).
COMMENT: Although the amazing cast assembled for this newspaper hunt-for-a-killer-on-the-loose quota quickie was accidental rather than deliberately contrived, that fact doesn't detract one iota from its interest. Without all the star names, the story would be still be reasonably exciting. Virginia Cherrill (the star of Chaplin's "City Lights") walks away with the acting honors, although Andreas Malindrinos (as the sleazy café proprietor who is hiding cop-killer Clifford McLaglen -- Victor's brother -- in his capacious basement, is not far behind). As for James Mason himself, he has not yet perfected the voice or the appearance – in some shots, he doesn't even look like James Mason – but it's still a remarkably assured performance from someone who is not only facing the motion picture camera for the first time, but in a lead role at that. Alastair Sim is also given some odd angles by photographer, Alex Bryce, but although this was only his second movie, already he has perfected his voice and screen persona. You certainly can't say the same about Cyril Cusack and Donald Wolfit. In fact, you'll be hard put to recognize them. On the other hand, there's no mistaking Bernard Miles when he walks through a scene, even though his role is almost negligible! Director Albert Parker, who has the dubious honor of being both one of Hollywood's best (the 1926 Fairbanks romp, "The Black Pirate") and worst (the execrable 1922 "Sherlock Holmes") directors of all time, handles this one with a degree of competence and even flair.
COMMENT: Although the amazing cast assembled for this newspaper hunt-for-a-killer-on-the-loose quota quickie was accidental rather than deliberately contrived, that fact doesn't detract one iota from its interest. Without all the star names, the story would be still be reasonably exciting. Virginia Cherrill (the star of Chaplin's "City Lights") walks away with the acting honors, although Andreas Malindrinos (as the sleazy café proprietor who is hiding cop-killer Clifford McLaglen -- Victor's brother -- in his capacious basement, is not far behind). As for James Mason himself, he has not yet perfected the voice or the appearance – in some shots, he doesn't even look like James Mason – but it's still a remarkably assured performance from someone who is not only facing the motion picture camera for the first time, but in a lead role at that. Alastair Sim is also given some odd angles by photographer, Alex Bryce, but although this was only his second movie, already he has perfected his voice and screen persona. You certainly can't say the same about Cyril Cusack and Donald Wolfit. In fact, you'll be hard put to recognize them. On the other hand, there's no mistaking Bernard Miles when he walks through a scene, even though his role is almost negligible! Director Albert Parker, who has the dubious honor of being both one of Hollywood's best (the 1926 Fairbanks romp, "The Black Pirate") and worst (the execrable 1922 "Sherlock Holmes") directors of all time, handles this one with a degree of competence and even flair.