"Ernie" (played by John Payne) finds himself learning, like many boxers have before, that success and recognition can disappear quickly. After suffering a defeat in a heavyweight match, he’s forced to drive a taxi just to survive financially. This situation doesn't please his wife, "Pauline" (Peggie Castle), who is portrayed as self-centered and unpleasant, and she begins an affair with the disreputable "Rawlins" (Brad Dexter), which leads to tragic consequences. Suddenly, “Ernie” becomes the prime suspect, and he has to try to figure out what really happened while staying just ahead of the police until they can catch the actual person responsible. I think this is easily John Payne’s finest performance; his scenes with Brad Dexter create a palpable feeling of danger and anxiety, and the supporting actors—Evelyn Keyes ("Linda") and Eddy Waller ("Pop"—do their best to assist the genuinely good, often overwhelmed boxer. The plot unfolds gradually but completely, featuring well-written conversations and music that allows director Phil Karlson to maintain a steadily increasing level of suspense leading up to an ending that isn't entirely predictable.

Source on TMDB