He Walked by Night

He Walked by Night is an expertly crafted crime film that hit the Hollywood screens in 1948, a seminal work in the post-war noir genre. Produced by Bryan Foy, the movie showcases the sharp direction of Alfred L. Werker with uncredited assistance from Anthony Mann. Filmed in a docudrama style, the movie features the impressive acting prowess of Richard Basehart, Scott Brady, and Roy Roberts, whose performances hold the audience in thrall.

The film centers on the character Roy Martin / Roy Morgan, played by the versatile Richard Basehart. Basehart portrays an ingenious, technology-obsessed serial criminal who terrifies Los Angeles with a series of burglaries, thefts, and shootings. Roy is characterized as a meticulous planner with a keen intelligence, a master of disguise, and an able manipulator of technology – aspects that make him a formidable criminal and a challenging adversary for the law enforcement agencies hot on his tail.

Scott Brady and Roy Roberts play the roles of law enforcement officers Marty Brennan and Chuck Jones tasked with stopping this criminal epidemic which is spreading unrest across the city. They are hard-nosed, determined detectives with a keen eye for detail. In a race against time, the detectives embank Yellow Cab driver Paul Reeves' help, to use his extensive knowledge of the city's streets to aid their investigation.

The cinematography by John Alton intensifies the noir atmosphere with effective use of extensive mood lighting and shadowing. The film’s semi-documentary style serves to heighten the realism of the narrative. Close-ups and angles, combined with a minimalist soundtrack, work effectively to build suspense and mark this film as a stand-out in the noir genre.

As detectives dig deeper into the investigation, the story unfolds to reveal a more multifaceted character of Roy, the man behind the criminal. These revelations add a layer of intrigue and suspense to the narrative that will guarantee the audience's attention. He Walked by Night efficiently uses technology by introducing devices such as police radios and complex communication systems, making the film innovative and modern for its time.

The film's unique strength lies in its cat-and-mouse storytelling approach. The way it diverges from other traditional Hollywood films is its exploration of the psyche of both the criminal and the men chasing him, making it a psychological thriller as well. Each lead character presents a unique traits that make the ensuing interplay a source of suspense. The relentless pursuit by Brennan and Jones versus the astuteness and tenacity of Martin/Morgan sets up a nail-biting showdown that symbolizes the timeless struggle between good and evil.

Moreover, the movie is as much about the city of Los Angeles as it is about its inhabitants. The city itself becomes an essential character in the film, with its maze-like sewer systems, dimly lit streets, and labyrinthine aesthetics adding to the mysterious and noir feeling of the film.

Furthermore, the narrative, penned by Crane Wilbur, hinges upon the evolving interplay between the hunter and the hunted. It emphasizes that neither black-and-white morality nor simple criminal classifications can wholly encompass the complexities of law, order, and criminal psychology.

He Walked by Night offers an exploration of the cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and criminals which presents a thrilling narrative. The film aptly combines suspense, police procedure, and elements of noir, along with subtle commentary on post-War American society. The potent performances, competent direction, meticulously crafted screenplay, and atmospheric cinematography make it a must-watch for vintage crime thriller enthusiasts and noir aficionados alike.

Overall, in He Walked by Night, Alfred L. Werker provides a suspenseful crime drama filled with unexpected twists, high-paced emotion, and action, set against the backdrop of post-War Los Angeles. It definitely stands as a stellar example of 1940s film noir and a benchmark in police procedural films—a captivating watch for all fans of classic cinema.