This is a B-minus film noir, with C-list thespians, and a look at Stanley Kubrick's fledgling efforts on the barest of "bare bones" budgets. It is indicated that production cost $75K. No U.S. receipts are shown, but they couldn't have been a lot - although it apparently recouped cost and maybe 20% profit in - of all places - Spain.
As one person commented, the lead couple certainly weren't Bogart and Bette Davis (hell, they weren't even, say, Sonny Tufts and Vera Ralston).
The view of New York City more than a half century ago is one of the best aspects. There is also a silly scene with some "raucous" Shriner's, with fez, teasing the "hero" by grabbing his scarf. This is a glimpse of the "silent-generation" 1950's, especially at this time just a few years prior to the city riots, assassinations, all the Vietnam goings-on, etc. in the 60's. During this time, harmlessly hell-raising Shriners, along with dentists and doctors on convention, and the like, WERE the most adventuresome persons found on city streets.
One thing I appreciated was Kubrick's realistic portrayal of the lead male, as a moderately-talented boxer, but possessing a "glass jaw," rather than some sort of minor hero. And the boxing scenes were excellent, despite Kubrick's lack of a budget and many of the technical advances which were later available for boxing genre movies in later years.
Actually, the acting was at a level for which "B-" may even be generous, but we perhaps afford it a few more compliments because of who made it. Still, an credible piece of nostalgia.
As one person commented, the lead couple certainly weren't Bogart and Bette Davis (hell, they weren't even, say, Sonny Tufts and Vera Ralston).
The view of New York City more than a half century ago is one of the best aspects. There is also a silly scene with some "raucous" Shriner's, with fez, teasing the "hero" by grabbing his scarf. This is a glimpse of the "silent-generation" 1950's, especially at this time just a few years prior to the city riots, assassinations, all the Vietnam goings-on, etc. in the 60's. During this time, harmlessly hell-raising Shriners, along with dentists and doctors on convention, and the like, WERE the most adventuresome persons found on city streets.
One thing I appreciated was Kubrick's realistic portrayal of the lead male, as a moderately-talented boxer, but possessing a "glass jaw," rather than some sort of minor hero. And the boxing scenes were excellent, despite Kubrick's lack of a budget and many of the technical advances which were later available for boxing genre movies in later years.
Actually, the acting was at a level for which "B-" may even be generous, but we perhaps afford it a few more compliments because of who made it. Still, an credible piece of nostalgia.