Raw Deal (1948)

Director Anthony Mann is known for entertaining and well-made B films like Raw Deal (1948), a taut film-noir that clocks in at 79 minutes. It is the story of Joe Sullivan (Dennis O'Keefe), who breaks out of jail after taking the rap for Rick (Raymond Burr), who owes him 50 grand. He is aided by his long time companion Pat (Claire Tervor), who uncharacteristically gives the voice-over narration in the film. Along the way they take along his lawyer's assistant, Ann (Marsha Hunt) who is infatuated with Joe. A love triangle emerges as Joe continually beats the odds on his way to confront Rick. It's a film-noir so you can guess how it ends. It has impressive cinematography with detailed close-ups and dark lighting, so it might be appropriate to single out the principle photographer John Alton. A small side note there were two references to Spokane, so it makes me think that the story is taking place in the Pacific Northwest-perhaps Idaho or Montana? An impressive film-noir from an underrated director.