Fritz Lang’s film noir offers a genuinely pleasant experience, centering on department store magnate "Morris" (Harry Carey) who attempts to aid former convicts in their reintegration into society. A frustrating dilemma arises for many: they require employment to secure parole, yet are unable to find work without it. His solution is to provide them with jobs, but one wonders if he’s simply naive or genuinely making a positive impact. This generosity faces a serious challenge with the arrival of "Joe" (George Raft). He quickly becomes infatuated with "Helen" (Sylvia Sidney), and they marry—though her parole status prohibits such an action, leading "Joe" to revert to his previous behaviors and ultimately instigate a robbery targeting the store. The success or failure of their heist seems secondary, however; the film functions more as a thoughtful exploration of inherent character versus environmental influences, with a touch of hopeful possibility added for balance. A humorous moment occurs when "Helen" explains the practical realities of low-level crime to prospective thieves, eliciting amusement, and Sidney shares an appealing rapport with a Raft who appears considerably less intimidating than usual. While the conclusion feels somewhat sentimental, the overall entertainment value is sustained by some subtle ethical considerations—as well as musical contributions from Kurt Weill and Sam Coslow.

Source on TMDB