This tale of a bad guy redeemed by the love of a good woman could easily have come across as cliched and corny, but is done with such style and class it somehow works. Cary Grant again shows his mastery of moral ambiguity - he can change from heel to hero with the arch of an eyebrow. Laraine Day was never a particularly distinctive actress, but shows here why she deserves to be better known. Backing them is one of those large ensembles of veteran character actors that make movies of this period such a delight. Tight, unobtrusive direction keeps everything moving at a brisk pace
The story is presented as an extended flashback, apparently for the sole purpose of allowing an obligatory and rather awkward happy ending. If you can remember to stop watching as the flashback ends, it makes for a more satisfying movie. Well worth your time.
