A police pathologist’s relentless scientific approach to solving a mayor’s murder puts him on a collision course with the city’s legal elite.
Forensic chemist Gordon McKay (Van Heflin) is tasked with investigating the murder of Mayor Daniels (Samuel S. Hinds). With the help of his sharp-witted assistant, Jane Mitchell (Marsha Hunt), McKay uses his laboratory expertise to meticulously analyze every piece of evidence. His methodical pursuit of the truth soon brings him into conflict with Gerald Ladimer (Lee Bowman), a high-profile lawyer whose case is threatened by McKay’s findings. As the investigation deepens, McKay’s unwavering attention to detail places his own life in jeopardy.
This efficient crime procedural is notable as the feature film debut for both director Fred Zinnemann and its leading man, Van Heflin. Zinnemann’s background directing MGM’s popular “Crime Does Not Pay” short subjects informs the film’s unadorned, documentary-like style. The result is a brisk, hard-boiled mystery that feels authentic and grounded, a departure from the studio’s more polished output of the era. The picture is also a curio for an uncredited appearance by Ava Gardner as a carhop, offering a brief look at an actress on the cusp of stardom.
Production Co: MGM / 74 mins / 1942
Director: Fred Zinnemann
Screenplay: Allen Rivkin, John C. Higgins
Main Cast: Van Heflin (Gordon McKay), Marsha Hunt (Jane Mitchell), Lee Bowman (Gerald I. Ladimer), Samuel S. Hinds (Mayor Daniels), John Litel (Matty), Cliff Clark (Captain Lynch), Eddie Quillan (Eddie Wright)
