It is a cynical, gripping, but also very provocating thriller. It shows the depressingly crestfallen Vienna in the post-war world. Black Market, Disease and Substance Abuse are common themes. Apart from being an effective cultural and social commentary, it also questions the "All-American Hero" cliche, which many (mostly American movies) have picked up until today. The protagonist is a drunken, unlucky author of cheap novelettes, who acts very naive at times. The antagonist is a cunning, cold opportunist, who knows how to manipulate the characters. The policeman is an evenly calculative englishman, who may as well be seen as the secondary hero of the story. It has a great historical value, as most sceneries are authentic, because it was made in 1949. And don't forget the typical British humour. Intelligent plot, interesting characters, and creative components make this movie a highlight among, even Noire-films.