The visage concealed by the mask is transformed, grotesque, a terrifying vision from which I cannot escape. The Face Behind The Mask has Robert Florey as director and Paul Jarrico, Arthur Levinson and Allen Vincent sharing writing duties. Peter Lorre, Evelyn Keyes, Don Beddoe and George E. Stone appear in it, with Sidney Cutner providing the music and Franz Planer handling cinematography. Janos Szaby (Lorre), an immigrant from Hungary, arrives in New York City full of optimism for what lies ahead. However, he becomes caught in a hotel fire that severely damages his face. Despite being a talented artisan, many employers reject him because of his appearance. At his lowest point, he resorts to criminal activity to finance the creation of a mask to conceal his disfigurement, and soon finds himself leading a small-time crime operation. He then encounters blind Helen Williams (Keyes) and discovers a renewed sense of purpose… The film’s conclusion feels inevitable. Lorre once considered it unimportant, but The Face Behind The Mask demonstrates one of his finest performances. It's a movie with a dark core, where a sense of doom pervades everything, the story centers on the destruction of the American dream, and those involved aren’t hesitant to portray an indifferent society. After a lighthearted start, the narrative becomes consistently somber, continuing right through to a shocking, unrestrained ending that comes after a disturbing revelation. Florey (also delivering some of his best work) and Planer contribute striking visuals and atmosphere that defy the film's low budget and rapid production schedule (under two weeks). A desolate harbor scene is skillfully handled, the face mask surgery with faces on the walls is delightfully morbid, there’s torture as well, and clever use of backgrounds and shadows. The dialogue occasionally feels inadequate for the unsettling story, but the movie transcends this due to the abilities of the cast (Stone and Keyes offering strong support for Lorre) and those who created it. Combining elements of film noir, horror, and social commentary, it’s a film with diverse qualities. It's not suitable for viewers seeking something uplifting, but for those who enjoy exploring the darker side of cinema; this is a rewarding experience. 8/10

Source on TMDB