With crime boss Dan Duryea keeping an eye on him, dashing con-artist John Payne does his best to go through with the larceny to end all larceny's, swindling sweet widow Joan Caulfield over bequests to build a youth center near the mission she works at. But there are far too many hot to trot broads after him, including jealous Duryea's equally jealous floozy moll (Shelley Winters), suave secretary Dorothy Hart and wisecracking waitress Patricia Alphin who is no match for Winters' threats to cut out her heart. Duryea keeps getting more suspicious, even though it's obvious that Payne is slowly falling for the gentle widow.
This is moderately entertaining but old hat as far as the story goes. However, with character performers like Percy Helton and Walter Greaza along, with tough talking Winters getting a ton of great dialog and Duryea equally sinister, the film seems to be better than it is. Caulfield seems too good to be true, especially with the three vixens dropping a quip every time she oozes more sweetness. Payne's a far cry from all the war heroes, athletes and other good guys he's played. I would recommend this simply on the basis of seeing Winters on her way up the ladder, still quite shapely, but certainly no lady.
This is moderately entertaining but old hat as far as the story goes. However, with character performers like Percy Helton and Walter Greaza along, with tough talking Winters getting a ton of great dialog and Duryea equally sinister, the film seems to be better than it is. Caulfield seems too good to be true, especially with the three vixens dropping a quip every time she oozes more sweetness. Payne's a far cry from all the war heroes, athletes and other good guys he's played. I would recommend this simply on the basis of seeing Winters on her way up the ladder, still quite shapely, but certainly no lady.