I really liked the casting of Ray Collins in this little B-movie. While he usually played affable sorts of fellows in movies and as a regular on "Perry Mason", here he plays against type--a real scum-bag. It turns out he's the brains of a ring of jewel thieves--and he has no loyalty to anyone but himself. After pulling a big heist, he and his 'associates' relocate to a small town in Iowa to wait until the heat subsides. Once there, one of the gang, is a pretty lady (Lorna Gray) and she soon begins kissing up to the town prosecutor--an idealistic young man (Lloyd Bridges). Bridges, at least at first, seems a bit naive--and you can't help but feel sorry for the guy. But through the course of investigating a murder (that turns out to be linked to Collins' gang), he shows he's pretty bright for a small town guy--and he's assisted with a strange but highly entertaining and sassy new secretary (Sheila Ryan). But, not realizing that Gray is part of the gang, she follows along--misdirecting Bridges and even stealing evidence to help her cohorts.
All in all, this is a pretty good B-movie--entertaining and engaging. It's nice to see Bridges in a very good early starring role and as I said above, Collins is excellent as a real creep. Will it change your life or is it a must-see? Nah...but considering it has modest pretenses and keeps your interest, it's worth seeing--particularly if you love Bs or film noir.
All in all, this is a pretty good B-movie--entertaining and engaging. It's nice to see Bridges in a very good early starring role and as I said above, Collins is excellent as a real creep. Will it change your life or is it a must-see? Nah...but considering it has modest pretenses and keeps your interest, it's worth seeing--particularly if you love Bs or film noir.