In New York City, David Stillwell struggles to recover his memory before the people who are trying to kill him succeed. Who is he, who are they, and why is he surrounded by murder?
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CinemaSerf
7
By CinemaSerf
Edward Dmytryk is trying his hand at a bit of Alfred Hitchcock in this superior thriller about "Stillwell" (Gregory Peck). This rather mild mannered accountant is all of a sudden on a death list? Why? Well neither he, nor we, have a clue - but luckily he has enough of a survival instinct to make it past the first few attempts on his life and alight on savvy PI "Caselle" (Walter Matthau) with whom he tries to put together what seems the most unlikely of stories. Nothing makes sense to the man - he remembers nothing that makes sense. His old office has gone, his recollections likewise. People are speaking with him about whom he knows nothing. Has any of this anything to do with the recent death of charity boss "Calvin"? He does know his job - but he has no idea what that job entails (maybe he is a politician!?). Gradually, and painstakingly, he must continue to evade those pursuing him whilst he tries to piece together the jigsaw of his life. Peck is on good form here, he delivers a convincing performance as a character devoid of any form of psychological security. He simply doesn't recall who he is. He knows not whom to trust nor why any of this is happening. His frustration is palpable and we are drawn into his predicament gradually and firmly. The ending is a little bit of a let down, it sort of runs home to corporate mama a bit - but it's a compelling watch that gives an early outing to George Kennedy and offers Diane Baker a small opportunity to shine too.