Walk a Crooked Mile (1948)

A security leak is found at a Southern California atomic plant. The authorities stand in fear that the information leaked would go to a hostile nation. To investigate the case more ... See full summary »

Director:

Gordon Douglas

Writers:

George Bruce, Bertram Millhauser (story)

Stars:

Louis Hayward, Dennis O'Keefe, Louise Allbritton

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Louis Hayward	...	Philip 'Scotty' Grayson
Dennis O'Keefe	...	Daniel F. O'Hara
Louise Allbritton	...	Dr. Toni Neva
Carl Esmond	...	Dr. Ritter von Stolb
Onslow Stevens	...	Igor Braun
Raymond Burr	...	Krebs
Art Baker	...	Dr. Frederick Townsend
Lowell Gilmore	...	Dr. William Forrest
Philip Van Zandt	...	Anton Radchek
Charles Evans	...	Dr. Homer Allen
Frank Ferguson	...	Carl Bemish
Reed Hadley	...	Narrator (voice)

Storyline

A security leak is found at a Southern California atomic plant. The authorities stand in fear that the information leaked would go to a hostile nation. To investigate the case more efficiently, Dan O'Hara, an FBI agent, and Philip Grayson, a Scotland Yard sleuth, join forces. Will they manage to stop the spy ring from achieving their aim?

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Plot Keywords:

spy | scotland yard | fbi | stolen formula | national security | 

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Taglines:

MURDER OF AN FBI MAN! SMASH UP OF A SPY RING! (original print ad - all caps)

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Film-Noir

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 September 1948 (USA)

Also Known As:

Achtung! Atomspione!

Filming Locations:

San Francisco, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Edward Small Productions, Columbia Pictures Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Remade as David Harding, Counterspy (1950)

User Reviews

Overlooked film

Walk a Crooked Mile was filmed almost entirely on location. FBI agent Dan O'Hara (Dennis O'Keefe) and Scotland Yard operative Philip Grayson (Louis Hayward) team up to investigate a security leak at a Southern California atomic plant. The investigation takes place in San Francisco, where a communist spy ring flourishes. Actors as Raymond Burr and Philip Van Zandt play the communist agents.

The documentary technique gives a factual gloss to the melodramatic format. Action moves back and forth between San Francisco and the atomic plant in southern California. Gordon Douglas' knowledgeable directing keeps the film moving forward. He manages to build suspense through misdirection. The method used to take information out of the atomic plant is well protected thus keeping you guessing.

The movie is typical 40s and early 50s film noir.