The Crooked Way

The story is remarkably similar to SOMEWHERE IN THE NIGHT from a few years earlier. Plotwise it's not nearly as compelling, a rather uninteresting gangster story with bland characters. Decent performances, but only Percy Helton really stands out. However, this has to be one the best-looking noirs out there, thanks once again to the talents of John Alton. The entire picture is simply gorgeous, textbook noir. It's a shame that such impressive visuals aren't attached to a more engaging plot.

As far as amnesia plots, this one's pretty good, some pretty steady discoveries and just enough to keep digging. Payne isn't the greatest actor, but he's good for this kind of role where he needs to be likable and tough but isn't expected to emote much, just act kind of confused.

Good low-budget noir, with a strong performance from John Payne as an amnesiac in search of his history. His puzzled dull-eyed look--unique for him--is perfect for the part. Director Florey and cinematographer Alton create a brooding noir atmosphere while still managing to take advantage of Los Angeles location settings. Ellen Drew is vulnerably beautiful in her middle 30's, and Sonny Tufts--just before those drinking and biting incidents made him a national joke--makes a fine bad guy.

This was a pretty decent Film Noir with an interesting amnesia twist. While none of the acting stood out I felt that it was solid overall. The dialogue was clunky but that is a normal trope of the genre. This wasn't anything special but it was a decent, fun, quick watch.

John Alton is the man, this looks great. the movie itself is kind of dumb and falls flat at the end unfortunately.

Unspectacular noir. I think it was mainly held-back because I'm not much of a fan of John Payne and this was all him. But there's constant quiet dark shadowy mood that enhanced it all. So respect to those handling the visual aspect of the film. Sadly the cast, and not just Payne, put a damper on it. But I can understand why others would love it.

Afrontando a morte estreava há 75 anos nos EUA. É inevitável as comparações com Somewhere in the Night que o Mankiewicz filmou com maestria três anos antes, se lá ele não tinha John Alton como aqui, pelo menos foi privilegiado com um domínio de narrativa muito mais impressionante do que o Florey. Se não fosse pelo Alton, este aqui seria um noir bem medíocre. Box Versátil Filme Noir Volume 25.