More of a proto-"Die Hard" crime-/action thriller than a typical noir, there's plenty to like about this one, especially in the second half when our previously dull and boring protagonist transforms into some sort of unlikely action hero. To get to the breathless conclusion though, the film struggles a lot - among other things at crafting an even remotely relatable protagonist, at its awkward attempts at humor and don't even get me started on lots of zany cringe dialogue and redundant exposition - it appers that 1940s american audiences need everything spelled out for them not only once but twice to get it. Basically this is a solidly constructed flick that stumbles whenever it tries to come across as smarter or funnier than it actually is. With this one, you have to endure quite a bit of dullness to reach that ultimately satisfying conclusion.