All credits except the title itself and the Universal emblem are on the end of the film, so when it starts off, this movie looks like a semi-documentary prison yarn, lensed on actual locations. However, the plot soon reverts to a typical innocent man involved with robbers yarn. It's saved from mediocrity by the interesting cast: I'm always glad to see Dorothy Hart even when, as here, the photographer reserves his choicest lighting and angles for someone else -- in this case, Marilyn Maxwell who delivers her usual vampy interpretation of a mercenary blonde. Also in the cast: Signe Hasso, looking somewhat older than the 34 years alleged by Universal's publicity department. She was actually 39. Joe Besser has a small role as a short order chef. John Hoyt forsakes his usual appearance as well as his customary deep voice, and is very effective. Henry "Harry" Morgan is really powerful as a sadistic gangster. Alas, the main problem with this movie is the script. It just doesn't ring true. For example, if our heroine is so mercenary, how come she hasn't made a play for some of the sanatorium's wealthy patients? And why does she bother giving the come-on to Richard Basehart when she knows for a fact that he doesn't have a plugged nickel? Presumably to satisfy her vanity, but the script doesn't make this clear. Also, there was no need to rescue Stoker, as Basehart had already given the storage clerk the tip-off. Crane Wilbur's direction is routine, but, as noted above, location photography helps.
Review of Outside the Wall
