I just saw this for the first time on Turner Classic Movies and thoroughly enjoyed it because of the cast, the acting, and the continental sophistication. Peter Lorre, for one of the few times in his career, plays a somewhat likeable, sympathetic character. Sydney Greenstreet is, well, Sydney Greenstreet. Several classic character actors from the 40s play the smaller roles--Eduardo Cianelli and Kurt Katch, for example. And the film is most notable for introducing the great Zachary Scott, a shamefully underrated actor. Films noirs of the 40s are my favorite genre, and this film manages to maintain that atmosphere throughout and, quite unusual for a film noir, does it with a somewhat sinister European flavor.
That having been said, I must point out that every twist and turn in the plot is totally predictable, right from the beginning. When, early in the film, the bloated corpse of the title character is washed ashore, anyone who's seen more than three movies can predict...... Well, I won't say more. But see the film and tell me if I'm right!
That having been said, I must point out that every twist and turn in the plot is totally predictable, right from the beginning. When, early in the film, the bloated corpse of the title character is washed ashore, anyone who's seen more than three movies can predict...... Well, I won't say more. But see the film and tell me if I'm right!