It is within the imperfect persona performed by Dana Andrews that the story gets its captivating quality.  Dixon lives a lonely life while his workaholic attitude finds nourishment in his deep fiery hatred towards criminals, which is also the reason why he finds himself in trouble with his superiors.  The solitude of Dixon overshadows the whole story and it accentuates the tough elements of film noir within the film.  Little by little, the story reveals why Dixon has such a strong hatred for delinquent characters, as it also provides additional support of the elements of film noir within the film.

Dixon’s job brings him on long and tough shifts amidst the murky nights of New York City where he comes across a murder in a small and ritzy underground gambling club.  The club happens to belong to a shady character named Tom Scalise (Gary Merrill) with whom Dixon has crossed paths with in the past.  They are in good terms with one another, on the contrary Dixon treats him like the lowest scum in the world, which is an indicator that he thinks Scalise is a crook.  The whole situation seems fishy to Dixon, but evidence and witnesses’ point out a specific wife-abusing Kenneth Paine (Craig Stevens) as the perpetrator.

Despite Dixon’s personal objections to the suspect’s identity, he must investigate the lead. When Dixon knocks on Paine’s door he finds him drunk talking on the phone while also unaware of why the police would like to see him.  In the drunken stupor, Paine tries to strike him with a bottle, but Dixon reacts quickly in his usual manner by striking back.  However, it is the last time for Dixon to strike a suspect, as Paine ceases to breathe after a fall.  The fear crawling over his face after becoming aware of Paine’s death is very noticeable, but subtle expressions suggest that he is considering his options.  Dixon is aware of people’s knowledge of his aggressive nature towards criminals while the warning from his supervisor echoes in his head.

Cornered without witnesses observing the act of self-defense Dixon begin to choose the path he so much despises.  The audience is aware of the events taking place, but the audience is also aware of how the situation will be interpreted, a cop going overboard and killed a suspect in the process.  It is within this moral predicament of justice where the cinematic value emerges, as Dixon also begins to develop strong feelings for Paine’s wife Morgan Taylor (Gene Tierney).  The film becomes increasingly more complex, as with it its complexity a fascinating film noir emerges that struggles with right and wrong while scrutinize a man’s conscious and moral fabric.

DIRECTED BY

COUNTRY

USA

Filmography links and data courtesy of