Close-Up

New York City, newsreel photographer Phil Sparr unwittingly photographs Nazi fugitive Martin Beauman, who's been hiding in plain sight under an assumed name. Undercover operatives are determined to destroy the damning evidence and are willing to kill anyone who gets in their way. Phil must fight for his life as he desperately tries to get the film to the authorities.

James Poe's original story was reportedly based on his true-life experiences as a photographer for the then-popular March of Time newsreels. Originally intended for production by RKO in 1946, screen rights to Close-Up were sold to a small New York-based outfit called Marathon Pictures. The company's decision to film entirely on location was motivated more by frugality and expedience rather than any commitment to verisimilitude. Staging scenes at such recognizable Manhattan landmarks as the 91st Street Seaplane Landing imbued Close-Up with a gritty realism that enhanced the noirish story. The movie provided perennial heavy Alan Baxter with a rare leading role and marked the screen debut of Richard Kollmar, until then best known as radio's Boston Blackie.

• mystery