Rod Steiger gives one of his finest performances in this riches to rags scheme about an embezzler unable to keep his emotions in check. Transitioning from an arrogant sartorial elitist to a border town bum he manages to evoke both detestation and pity from the audience as his corrupt plan begins to disintegrate.
Financier Karl Schaefer has some stolen funds transferred to a Mexican bank and he leaves town to collect. However authorities are soon on to him and he's forced to harshly switch identities with someone on a train. He ends up with the man's dog, attempts to abandon it but it saves his life. The cash is frozen, Schaefer penniless is now trapped with his dog at the border with a Detective Seargent in wait on the other side looking for a way to lure him back.
Basically a one man show by Stieger (w/ dog) his deconstruction is both deserved and pitiable as he's literally brought to his knees.
Spain subbing for a Mexican border town has an authentic look, while the forbidding bridge is given a life of its own.
Financier Karl Schaefer has some stolen funds transferred to a Mexican bank and he leaves town to collect. However authorities are soon on to him and he's forced to harshly switch identities with someone on a train. He ends up with the man's dog, attempts to abandon it but it saves his life. The cash is frozen, Schaefer penniless is now trapped with his dog at the border with a Detective Seargent in wait on the other side looking for a way to lure him back.
Basically a one man show by Stieger (w/ dog) his deconstruction is both deserved and pitiable as he's literally brought to his knees.
Spain subbing for a Mexican border town has an authentic look, while the forbidding bridge is given a life of its own.