The town's leading citizen becomes a homicidal maniac after his wife deserts him.
Acting
Lugosi's trance-face deserves its own Oscar category.
Direction
Joseph H. Lewis squeezes atmosphere from a nickel budget.
Director
Joseph H. Lewis
Bela Lugosi
Dr. Charles Kessler
Polly Ann Young
Virginia Kessler
John McGuire
Ralph Dickson / Paul Dickson
Clarence Muse
Evans the Butler
George Pembroke
Lt. Williams
Betty Compson
Mrs. Kessler
Ernie Adams
Jules Mason, caretaker
Ottola Nesmith
Mrs. Mason
Terry Walker
Cecile Mannix, maid
Fred Kelsey
Detective Ryan
Jack Mulhall
Jim, a detective
Fred Aldrich
Guard at Ralph's Execution (uncredited)
Lloyd Ingraham
Psychiatrist (uncredited)
Robert Strange
Kirby--Coroner (uncredited)
Dorothy Vernon
Kessler's Cook (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Joseph H. Lewis made this in six days flat, then directed Gun Crazy—talk about range.
Clarence Muse's Evans is a rare 1941 Black character with dignity and agency; Hollywood usually buried that.
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