This terrific Fox film noir was directed by Otto Preminger in the wake of his classic Laura. Slightly softened by the casting of a non-musical Alice Faye, who was ill at ease in a leading role, it is greatly enhanced by the presence of Dana Andrews and Linda Darnell. They're a nervy opportunist and sexy paramour respectively in a knockout plot involving Andrews's wish to quit respectable Faye for bad girl Darnell, when, shall we say, certain events cause him to change plan. Watch Andrews - his quizzical, deadpan features always seemed more alert for Preminger than under any other director in his long career.

An unemployed drifter, Eric Stanton wanders into a small California town and begins hanging around the local diner. While Eric falls for the lovely waitress Stella, he also begins romancing a quiet and well-to-do woman named June Mills. Since Stella isn't interested in Eric unless he has money, the lovelorn guy comes up with a scheme to win her over, and it involves June. Before long, murder works its way into this passionate love triangle.