The plot involves a small-time street hustler in London who tries to make his mark as a fight promoter, only to find organized crime's stranglehold (Herbert Lom) over the wrestling business tougher to overcome that he imagined. Richard Widmark's hoodlum, Harry Fabian, is a fast-talking small-fry, an ambitious, overreaching punk who undoes himself at every turn, and digs himself in deeper and deeper with each confrontation against the city's kingpin. Fabian wants to "be somebody" in the worst way and mangles himself more than anyone else in the attempt. 

Grand black and white cinematography capturing film noir at its best. Interesting supporting roles by Francis L. Sullivan, Gene Tierney, Stanislaus Zbyszko, Mike Mizurki, Googie Withers. Post-war London location was used as director Jules Dassin was blacklisted .

I consider this one of Widmark's best performances. The actor turned 93 yrs. recently. An amazing career.

Peppa