This is a classic film noir that overemphasizes the self-destruction of its protagonist without providing much impetus for it. There are setups and payoffs, but disconnected from one another so they seem to come a bit out of nowhere. Now that we have that out of the way, of course it’s always a treat to see the legendary Humphrey Bogart plying his trade. The story is a good, well-conceived tragedy that holds up over time and delivers on its unsettling slow-build tension. If tragedy noir is your jam, this is a must-see.

Closest comparison: It’s the self-destruction of Raging Bull in the garb of The Maltese Falcon.

Setting: Drama
Plot: Tragedy
Tone: Noir