Can a film’s quality be diminished by a substandard soundtrack? Absolutely, and this film serves as an example. I enjoy film noir, and I watched this with enjoyment. It's one of those movies you should make an effort to see: it features a strong story, intricate characters, considerable suspense, and a good amount of humor, all presented in a very stylish way, almost woven into the narrative about a young American writer attempting to figure out the poorly explained death of a friend in Vienna after World War II. The police force, instead of assisting, seem to be part of the problem, and as he investigates further, more indications of wrongdoing emerge. The film is quite good and expertly directed by Carol Reed. All the standard elements of noir are present: striking lighting, deep shadows, a tense and gloomy urban setting, a crime, numerous potential suspects and criminals, an apparently corrupt police force, and an elegant woman who captures attention, though she may not be as innocent as she seems. The film doesn't disappoint for even a moment and delivers precisely what you want to see and experience, which is genuinely satisfying. The production values are also high, with convincing costumes, effective use of outdoor locations, and a city that retains its beauty and elegance even in ruins. The cinematography is excellent; the camera work is worthy of study in film schools, and special effects are used sparingly but effectively. The acting is uniformly strong: despite being the most recognizable name, Orson Welles isn’t the most prominent performer. Still relatively young and attractive (he would gain weight in later years), he appears infrequently, yet commands attention when he does. Joseph Cotten is the film's true lead, and he performs admirably. He's one of those actors who has been largely forgotten today but deserves to have his work rediscovered and appreciated. The only significant flaw, and it’s truly just that, is the soundtrack and its persistent mandolin theme, which feels entirely out of place. It would have been better suited as an opening credit cue, but instead, this grating music intrudes throughout the film to the point of being almost unbearable. It sounds like a melody from a Marx Brothers comedy, and it doesn't end there! It’s genuinely irritating and disrupts the movie’s atmosphere.

Source on TMDB