This is one of the great film noirs about a major crime that goes over perfectly, but still leads to disaster. Newly released convict Doc Riedenschneider (Sam Jaffe) wants to pull off a big jewelry heist and organizes a major group of criminals to pull it off. Among them are crooked lawyer Alonzo (Louis Calhern), safe cracker Louis (Anthony Caruso), getaway car driver Gus (James Whitmore), and gunman Dix (Sterling Hayden). With an ensemble of specialized criminals (and great stars to play them) it would seem like the perfect crime, but can these crooks trust each other once it’s been pulled off? She only has a small role, but the film is also well-remembered for helping make a star out of a previously unknown Marilyn Monroe. — Jack Fields

Rated: NR