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Germany, post-war. A Nazi criminal named Meineke is allowed to escape in the belief that he’ll lead authorities to the head of a notorious prison camp. The subterfuge crosses into the USA and a small New England town. Here, that camp head has taken the name Charles Rankin (Orson Welles). He has established a respectable life, and is shortly to marry Mary Longstreet (Loretta Young), a judge’s daughter. When Meineke arrives, Rankin snuffs him out.
Wilson (Edward G Robinson) is a determined government man – determined to expose Rankin. Quietly and relentless as it is, his effort to expose Rankin has to be balanced with the need to protect Mary.
“The darkness of the soul is under scrutiny here.” - Barry Gifford, The Devil Thumbs a Ride
“A magnificent performance from Edward G Robinson” - Ballinger & Graydon, The Rough Guide to Film Noir.
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