It has not only a particularly good story, but a sharpness and flexibility of observation in the writing and handling that occasionally makes it more than a melodrama about a city under the threat of plague.

There is vivid action, nice human touches and some bizarre moments. Jack Palance gives a sharp performance.

A classy thriller, much less laden with significance than most Kazan movies.

[Elia] Kazan makes great use of the New Orleans locations and atmosphere and takes the viewer into seedier parts of the city than usually seen in Hollywood films set in the city.