One of the original heist movies and still one of the best.

To many the first fifteen or twenty minutes may seem to stumble quite clumsily into place, but once the key characters are established the plot really sweeps along with some excellent performances most notably from Sam Jaffe.

The cinematography in stark black and white is well crafted and does create a sense of the real almost to the point of documentary in some sequences, but it is designed to draw us into the menace of the criminal underworld and it does that very successfully.

There are a few outdated chunks of dialogue and at times Sterling Hayden's heavy hooligan seems more wooden than an old oak tree but this is the 50s and it is forgiveable.

It's a fine watch and has some interesting actors in minor roles such as Brad Dexter (of Magnificent 7 fame) and Marilyn Monroe (of Magnificient 7 year itch fame et al)

One of the noir genre's early and best pieces with Huston at the lens it's an enjoyable watch.