Two very exciting action sequences are both staged in the first half of this movie. Unfortunately, the rest of the "private hell" centers around a very plodding story, which eventually comes to a really nothing climax. There are also some dull romantic interludes. All told, almost all the acting with exceptions of Steve Cochran's contribution and, of course, the lovely Dorothy Malone's is, somewhat understandably, rather glum. For one thing, Ida Lupino is getting far too old for the femme fatale bit. And to add to our woes, even the music score by Leith Stevens could be described as no more than nondescript. I would also rate the cinematography as a bit below Burnett Guffey's usual high standard. Maybe he was rushed, or forced to shoot with insufficient light?
Review of Private Hell 36
