Watch The Crooked Way

The Crooked Way, a film noir classic from 1949, stars John Payne as Eddie Rice, a World War II veteran who has suffered from amnesia and is seeking to uncover his past. When he returns to Los Angeles, he discovers that he had been living a double life as a gangster before the war. With the help of his war buddy, Pete Ramsey (Sonny Tufts), Eddie begins to piece together his former life, which includes a beautiful but treacherous woman named Nina Martin (Ellen Drew), whom he had been involved with. Meanwhile, the police are after him for the murder of a rival gang member committed during his former life as a criminal.

As Eddie delves deeper into his past, he is met with danger and deception around every corner. He discovers that his former associates, including a mob boss named Vince Alexander (Percy Helton), are not happy with his return and are determined to keep him silent. Despite the risks, Eddie is determined to clear his name and set things right.

The Crooked Way is a gritty and suspenseful film noir that reflects the post-war disillusionment and moral ambiguity of the time. The black and white cinematography and moody soundtrack underscore the dark and dangerous atmosphere of the film, while the strong performances from Payne, Tufts, and Drew add depth and complexity to their characters.

Payne plays Eddie Rice with a mix of toughness and vulnerability, making him a sympathetic protagonist despite his shady past. Tufts is equally compelling as his loyal friend Pete, who proves to be a valuable ally in Eddie's quest for the truth. Drew is convincing as the seductive Nina, whose loyalties are constantly in question.

The Crooked Way also features some impressive action sequences, including a rooftop chase and a violent showdown in an abandoned warehouse. These scenes are expertly staged and help to keep the tension high throughout the film.

Overall, The Crooked Way is a must-see for fans of film noir and classic Hollywood. Its themes of identity, loyalty, and redemption still resonate today, and its impressive performances and suspenseful plot make it an enduring favorite.

The Crooked Way is a crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.