I'm surprised to read as many positive reviews as there are for this movie, which I thought was a bit of a loser. This tale of negotiations for the release of a kidnapped American soldier in postwar Berlin is a bit of a talkfest which fails to achieve much suspense. The opposing side, the Russians, are barely çharacterized except as a pair of klutzy, easily bluffed soldiers right at the end. There is a lot of talk about people who scarcely appear, or don't appear at all. Broderick Crawford does best with his part, although it is stereotyped. Gregory Peck gives it a shot, but his part does not add up to a convincing or sympathetic character. The mysterious Hoffy fails to charm or interest, she is just colourless. The bit parts aren't particularly interesting either. Some strong action would redeem these weaknesses, but it's mostly people walking in and out of rooms. There is some sassy talk but it is stagey and unconvincing. So it wasn't really worth anyone's time and has to rate as borderline for entertainment value.
Review of Night People
