Tight Spot

Lloyd Hallett (Robinson) has developed a case against the murderous Mafia kingpin Benjamin Costain (Lorne Greene, in his second film) to have him deported, because they can't get him indicted for any of his other crimes. Trouble is, all his other witnesses who could have testified against Costain have been killed. Sherry Conley (Rogers) who is serving a prison term, is their last chance to get him deported. She is offered a carrot - commutation of her sentence and a comfy hotel room with food much better than she had in prison. Will that be enough to get her to go through with testifying? If she lives? Watch and find out.

Rogers is excellent as an aging model/gangster's moll who was too softhearted in the past, and is paying for her decisions. Whether she's being sarcastic or dodging bullets, Rogers gives one of her best performances.

Robinson is matter of fact and businesslike in his role. Hallett's job is his life, and Robinson gets that across to the viewer. It's close to the role he played in "Double Indemnity" (1944), but Robinson makes the cardboard role human.

Brian Keith is very good in his role as the Fed who's at first disgusted with Sherry, then starts to care for her.

Lorne Green is one great menacing scumbag. Who knew the future wise papa of the Ponderosa had it in him? The shadowy cinematography is by Burnett Guffey, who also did the photography for "Bonnie and Clyde" (1967). The taut script was by William Bowers. Absolutely a hidden gem of noir, done by that economical studio, Columbia, which was full of good surprises such as this one, during the studio system era.