I liked this film for a lot of reasons. The first and foremost is Lyle Bettger's interpretation of a true psycho. Bettger was in a class to himself when it came to playing crazed killers and generally evil guys. He doesn't disappoint here.
The plot, although not necessarily unique, is taut and moves along at a fairly rapid pace. The blind daughter of a wealthy family is kidnapped and held for ransom. Enter railroad detective William Holden and the LAPD in the person of Barry Fitzgerald and the chase is on. Nancy Olson is along for the ride and the film is peppered with some of the great character actors of the day.
Throw in a bit of graphic police brutality and a great chase through the underground and you've got a neat little film. However, the screaming blind hostage never shuts up.......she screams continually until you really don't care if she ever is rescued. But of course she is, Bettger gets his come-uppance and Holden and Olson hold hands. Very tidy and enjoyable.
The plot, although not necessarily unique, is taut and moves along at a fairly rapid pace. The blind daughter of a wealthy family is kidnapped and held for ransom. Enter railroad detective William Holden and the LAPD in the person of Barry Fitzgerald and the chase is on. Nancy Olson is along for the ride and the film is peppered with some of the great character actors of the day.
Throw in a bit of graphic police brutality and a great chase through the underground and you've got a neat little film. However, the screaming blind hostage never shuts up.......she screams continually until you really don't care if she ever is rescued. But of course she is, Bettger gets his come-uppance and Holden and Olson hold hands. Very tidy and enjoyable.