Mexican-projection-set noir with Mitchum caught up in plot to impersonate criminal so he can re-enter USA, mixing with Jane Russell (it's a Howard Hughes production, who also used to lend Mitchum desk space in his office when the actor was still trying to be a writer).
Russell: "Why don't you drink?"
Mitchum: "I might forget what I'm doing."
Frank Fenton and Jack Leonard have written a great collection of characters displaying various shades of suspicion, acted by Tim Holt, Charles McGraw, Marjorie Reynolds, Raymond Burr, Leslie Banning, Jim Backus, Philip Van Zandt.
Unlikely hero comes in form of Hollywood acting dandy Vincent Price, who saves the day and steals the film. Odd mishmash of moods ensues: thus Mitchum's savage beating on board boat is followed by Price and his hastily assembled army sailing out.. then sinking in a lovely comic moment.
Unusual production for RKO in its length (two hours) and lack of familiar names behind camera (which is directed by Harry Wild).
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