Among the more obscure of films noir: George Sanders (although too little of him), Gail Patrick as the femme fatale she’s always meant to be, and Richard Denning with some well floppy hair. A winner because it’s set in the stolen/forged book racket and mostly in a library. Some library! Not only does it have a slew of rare books — including the Burbage Hamlet that sets everything in motion — it’s also got a storeroom full of art and another full of musical instruments (though the latter mostly for a sinister use of a harp string!).

The date puts us in the war years so extra anti-German portrayals (including a sinister mute man, argh) as well as an air raid that proves a challenge to the good and bad guys. The other thing that really sets the date is the heavy-handed psychological explanations about sadism and masochism, which Patrick treats flippantly only to be haunted by the echoed voice overs later. Sanders positively preens at the thought of dying in a state of terror.

Warning cat lovers: callous opinions offered about cats, but no cats harmed in the film. No cats in the film period. Overall a fun film and well worth a watch. Short running time makes it perfect lunch break. Some random screen shots from the video transfer.