Here's a really interesting crime drama, a genuine 20th Century-Fox film noir set and filmed entirely in London, with imported American stars and a British supporting cast. Surprisingly, it works, largely because of star Richard Widmark's brilliant, desperate portrayal of a hustler on the edge, and skilled director Jules Dassin's cleverly atmospheric use of London locations (don't try to follow in Widmark's steps - they're geographically impossible!) and expertly controlled pacing. The plot hangs on a wrestling fix, and is both adult and original. Especially impressive is the gross Francis L Sullivan as a sweaty nightclub owner, and familiar faces like Googie Withers and Herbert Lom add authenticity. The tone is beautifully sustained, and the excitement never lets up, as it does in the rather too languid 1992 Robert De Niro remake.

Londoner Harry Fabian is a second-rate con man looking for an angle. After years of putting up with Harry's schemes, his girlfriend, Mary, becomes fed up when he taps her for yet another loan.