One of Hollywood's classic hard-boiled thrillers and a favorite of suspense film lovers. The picture marked the first hit pairing of tough guy Alan Ladd, in the role that made him an instant star, and sultry blonde bombshell Veronica Lake.

Adapted from a novel by Graham Greene, it's the hard-edged story of love, power and betrayal set in the seamy underworld of the 1940's. Raven (Alan Ladd) is a cold-blooded professional killer who's been double-crossed by his client. Ellen (Veronica Lake) is a beautiful nightclub singer who's spying on her corrupt boss. Lt. Michael Crane (Robert Preston) is a dedicated cop who wants Ellen's love and Raven's capture. The tension mounts and before the case is wrapped up, someone will pay with his life.

In this classic tough-guy film noir, genre mainstay Alan Ladd plays Philip Raven, a double-crossed gun-for-hire who is out for revenge. Veronica Lake is Ellen Graham, his platinum blond bombshell companion. Raven is kind to everyone that's not a target but, after he kills an extortionist and receives stolen money in compensation, he himself becomes the target of a Senate investigation that ultimately puts Ellen in his crosshairs.