Alan Ladd plays an aerospace engineer on his way home from a late night at the office when his car runs out of gas on a dark street and he encounters a group of high school teenagers. The encounter leads to his being beaten up pretty badly and sets in motion his quest for either justice or revenge. Rod Steiger as a police detective represents the justice part, but the wheels move too slowly for Ladd, who engages in his own investigation to avenge his humiliating experience. This sets up a conflict with the law, the school system, which leads to several consequences. The film's proximity to the end of Ladd's career and life seems to be a major factor and makes it difficult to conclude whether his role either detracted from or added something to a film that is, in any event, still definitely worth watching IMHO.

I had fairly low expectations going into this one, but the film quickly churns into full noir-ish life as one of the last of what was to be a dying breed of movie--a psychological thriller pulling us close to the world of the always fascinating Alan Ladd as he runs head on into forces beyond his control. (I disagree that Ladd's personal problems detract from his performance at all. In fact to me the intentional darkness of the mood is simply strengthened by Ladd just as he was able to do in a dozen other gripping dramas both large and small. This is a "small" drama, to be sure, but none the less intense and intriguing.A plot theme emerges here treated the way a great noir director of the 40's might have treated it--pathological youth violence, a real social problem often glossed over {Rebel Without A Cause, for example) or in later 1960's films glamorized and turned into the iconic images for a new generation.But here it is--stark, vicious, mindless, and cruel just because people can get away with it. This is a brave and unflinching film and a real treat for those who appreciate the genre. Keep your expectations modest and it will surprise you quite happily!

As Alan Ladd's last starring role, this was a pretty good way to finish his all-too-short career. While it's not the best thing he ever did, it is one of his better films. Unfortunately, for me, a real fan of Ladd, it's also a bit tough to watch because he's obviously suffering the effects of advanced alcoholism--with a puffy look about him and slightly slurred speech. In addition, at times his performance was a bit limp--though at other times, particularly at the end, he was able to rouse some of that old Alan Ladd energy and anger.The film is about a decent man who through no fault of his own is badly beaten by a group of young spoiled rich thugs. The problem is that the information on who did this was scant so catching the thugs looked uncertain. Plus Ladd had a lot of trouble getting on with his life--particularly when members of this little gang began threatening him and his wife. From that point on, Ladd is a bit like Captain Ahab--with an almost incessant need to find and punish the teens. Surprisingly, Rod Steiger underplays the role of a decent detective who is investigating the case (he sometimes seemed to overact in some films--here he was perfect). He's trying his best to find the boys AND keep Ladd from getting himself in trouble for being a vigilante.Add to this basic plot decent acting, a very good and suspenseful script as well as a very adult plot for 1962 and you've got the formula for a very good drama--far better than many of the mediocre films Ladd had been making through much of the 1950s and 60s.

I saw this film with my dad at the now long gone Miami Theater on Flager Street in Downtown, Miami, Florida when I was a kid. I remember it being in black & white, and that Alan Ladd looked tired and worn out. But, if you're a fan of Ladd, this film is a must-see. Again, as is the case for most fading, washed-up actors, even though the film is third rate, the script fair, and the budget no-where to be seen, Ladd gives a talented performance. It's far from his best(Shane), but you can see that he's giving the best-he-can, with what he had left. Only about 50 here, he looks to be in his mid-60s. However, he still had that lean, trim, build, and that look of confidence. A fine supporting cast adds to this out-dated period piece. Made in 1962, it is corny stuff, but surprisingly was a prediction of the "senseless" violence to come. Better than you'd think.