Otto Preminger, director, does an excellent job of pacing the story and of building sympathy for Andrews.

Fox may not have plumbed the depths of realism this time, but it still looks interesting, even two-thirds of the way down.

A weatherbeaten Andrews gives one of his finest performances.

Though Where the Sidewalk Ends wanes in its intrigue and believability in the second half, its thrillingly clever beginning, palpably gritty nature, and the galvanising acting still make it a memorable viewing experience.