Thriller,Crime,Drama
United States of America
He Walked by Night is a 1948 American film noir directed by Alfred L. Werker and Anthony Mann (uncredited), and starring Richard Basehart, Scott Brady, and Roy Roberts. The film is based on the real-life case of Erwin "Machine-Gun" Walker, a former soldier who became a criminal and was eventually captured by the police.
The film is shot in semi-documentary style, with a voiceover narration providing background information and context for the events portrayed on screen. The story follows Roy Morgan (Brady), a police detective who is tasked with tracking down a ruthless criminal named Roy Martin (Basehart), who has shot and killed a police officer during a botched burglary.
Martin is portrayed as an intelligent and resourceful criminal who knows how to evade the police and stay one step ahead of them. He uses his knowledge of electronics and radio technology to monitor police communications and avoid detection. The police eventually discover his hideout and engage in a tense shootout with him, resulting in Martin's death.
The film is notable for its use of realistic locations and its emphasis on police procedure. It was one of the first films to feature the Los Angeles Police Department's real-life Scientific Investigation Division, which provided technical assistance and advice during the production. The film's use of actual police officers and equipment lends it a sense of authenticity that was unusual for the time.
He Walked by Night has become a cult classic among film noir enthusiasts and is regarded as one of the best examples of the genre. Its realistic portrayal of police work and emphasis on procedure have influenced many other films and TV shows in the years since its release.
