Victor Mature plays Nick Bianco, who tries to go straight and have a family life...but instead runs into the problem of a lot of former criminals, who are passed over for jobs because of their criminal background. It's Christmas and with two young daughters counting on Nick to put presents under the tree, Nick pulls a jewelry store robbery with his old gang. Unfortunately, Nick is shot and subsequently caught and arrested in the process. At the time of his arrest the prosecuting attorney applies a lot of pressure to Nick trying to get him to turn on the rest of the gang...using his family as leverage. Secure that his fellow crew members are taking care of his family, Nick refuses to squeal...until his wife commits suicide and his daughters end up in the orphanage.
Just when Nick remarries a sweet girl named Nettie and is creating a lovely family with his girls...the jury comes back and this heartless criminal Tommy Udo is let loose back into society with a taste for revenge on Nick.
There are some wonderful performances all around. I did find Richard Widmark's portal of Tommy Uno to grate on my nerves with his obnoxious laugh, anxious behavior and vile smile. Colleen Gray was a lovely surprise as Nettie and both Brian Donlevy and Karl Malden put in solid performances on the right side of the law. This crime noir is heavy on the snitch storyline but should make noir fans' watch list. This is definitely Victor Mature's film and he is oddly compelling as this reformed family man.
Just when Nick remarries a sweet girl named Nettie and is creating a lovely family with his girls...the jury comes back and this heartless criminal Tommy Udo is let loose back into society with a taste for revenge on Nick.
There are some wonderful performances all around. I did find Richard Widmark's portal of Tommy Uno to grate on my nerves with his obnoxious laugh, anxious behavior and vile smile. Colleen Gray was a lovely surprise as Nettie and both Brian Donlevy and Karl Malden put in solid performances on the right side of the law. This crime noir is heavy on the snitch storyline but should make noir fans' watch list. This is definitely Victor Mature's film and he is oddly compelling as this reformed family man.