Novel concept that plays out pretty well. An officious, dark hired woman assists an old lady until a masked intruder enters and kills the old lady for her money. Next we see a delightful young blonde woman (Sterling) applying to assist an emotionless wealthy older woman (Blake). Together, they really hit it off even though Blake mysteriously killed a man several years earlier. The plot then becomes whether these two women can remain together despite their backgrounds. We root for them since each overcomes the difficulties in the other. You can almost say it's a 'buddy' picture, despite the complicating moral conflicts just beneath the surface.
Both lead actresses shine in their roles, almost making me forget I was watching Gunsmoke's Miss Kitty. The unusual plot manages to involve us even though some implicit suspense threads are not played up. In fact, the script could be a lot tighter. Note too, how the story's outcome appears determined by the hand of fate, or should I say its head.
On a lighter note, watch for ex- big band singer Dick Haymes in an affably dangling role that looks like a needed payday for a kingpin of the late 40's and early 50's. Unfortunately for him, his career was ruined by accusations of draft-dodging during WWII. I recall it being quite a scandal at the time when the crooner was 'here today' and 'gone tomorrow'. So this is one of the few chances to catch him in his later, obscure, years.
Anyway, the flick's a novel concept, well-acted and mounted; it may waver some, but generally holds interest throughout.
