It stars Dana Andrews, Lee J. Cobb, Karl Malden, Arthur Kennedy and Jane Wyatt, with voiceovers by Reed Hadley.

The film was directed by Elia Kazan and adapted from a 1945 Reader's Digest story written by Fulton Oursler (credited as Anthony Abbot) based on an actual 1924 crime.

Robinson and prosecutor Henry Harvey face severe pressure by cheap political leaders, the press and the public to find the killer or otherwise seek outside help.

However, vagrant military veteran John Waldron is arrested in Ohio and meets the general description of the murder suspect.

Suspecting that Harvey's plea is driven by political motives, the judge warns him that he will hold his actions to the highest scrutiny.

Hubert Dahme (Father George Lambert in the film) was fatally shot behind the left ear by a gun fired at close range.

Kazan later directed the 1947 Oscar-winning Gentleman's Agreement, also starring Jane Wyatt, which takes place in nearby Darien, Connecticut and was partly filmed in the area.

[7] In a contemporary review for The New York Times, critic Bosley Crowther discussed the filmmaking, writing that the "style of presentation has resulted in a drama of rare clarity and punch".

Based on a still unsolved murder case in Bridgeport, Conn, plot is backed up with strong cast ... All the leads have the stamp of authenticities.

Lee J. Cobb shows up strongly as chief detective, harassed by press and politicians alike while trying to carry out his duties.