The read
Critics rate it 30 points higher than audiences do.
Synopsis
After two gang-related killings in "Center City," a suspect (who was framed) is arrested, released on bail...and murdered. Inspector Briggs of the FBI recruits a young agent, Gene Cordell, to go undercover in the shadowy Skid Row area (alias George Manly) as a potential victim of the same racket. Soon, Gene meets Alec Stiles, neurotic mastermind who's "building an organization along scientific lines." Stiles recruits Cordell, whose job becomes a lot more dangerous.
Ratings
IMDb7/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Critics rate it 30 points higher than audiences do.
53 audience votes
Key crew
- Harry KleinerScreenplay
- William KeighleyDirector
- David ButtolphOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- Mark StevensGene Cordell / George Manly
- Richard WidmarkAlec Stiles
- Lloyd NolanInspector George A. Briggs
- Barbara LawrenceJudy Stiles
- Ed BegleyChief Bernard Harmatz
- Donald BukaShivvy
- Joseph PevneyMatty
- John McIntireCy Gordon
- Walter GreazaLt. Paul Staller
- Howard SmithRalph Demory
- Larry AnzaloneSparring Partner (Uncredited)
- George BarrowsBouncer at Gym (Uncredited)
Stills
Themes
undercoverfilm noirpolice corruptiondocudramasemi-documentaryboxingspousal abusepolice proceduralfbi agent