As far as 'modest' Film Noirs go, this is one of the best. A simple plot idea is twisted to the max for late 1940's audiences. Millionaire-industrialist, cool as a cucumber-bigshot, Walter Williams (Brian Donlevy) has an unscrupulous young wife (Helen Walker) who is out to see him dead. With the help of her nefarious lover/boyfriend, enlisted for the deed - the plan crumbles to pieces and not only does Williams survive a bash on the noggin, but the would-be culprit wrecks himself up in a fireball with the intended targets auto. Now everyone thinks Williams IS dead. After figuring what has transpired Walter has settled as an auto mechanic in a gentle quiet village leaving his mystery to a dogged, close-to-retirement detective, Lt. Tom Quincy (Charles Coburn). Walter succumbs to 'doing-the-right-thing' and returns with garage owner and boss/girlfriend Ella Raines (Marsha Peters), the sweet and sexy girl-next-door. Trouble is now HE has been charged with murder of the hidden lover, thanks to his wife's abilities to lie. He needs assistance from ex-housekeeper Su Lin (silent screen goddess Anna Mae Wong). Impact is one of those clandestine gems that you love to unravel. A true Noir masterpiece.  out of   

Gary W. Tooze