This is a Bogart classic, combining his usual hard as nails persona with a typical 40's documentary style. It might not be Bogeys' best film, or the best gangster film you'll ever see, but for fans of the genre it's an interesting and entertaining film. Bogart plays the D.A (hence the terrible bow tie presumably- gangsters and detectives never, ever wear bow ties in the movies) on the trail proffessional killers in the mobs' hey day, but as with most of these films the plot is no-where near as important as the style; and this film has that in abundance. Viewers should watch out for a host of the usual faces among the secondary cast including a very youthful Zero Mostel, who went on to be the man who staged 'Springtime for Hitler,' in Mel Brooks' 'The Producers,' appearing against type here as a trainee hit-man. Overall, a good film for fans of Bogart, ganster movies and a great film for fans of Bogart IN gangster movies, but just a little stilted for the casual viewer.