[1] It is a crime thriller set in 1930s London but also deals with social realism themes in the aftermath of the Great Depression.

[2] The protagonist of the novel is Harry Fabian, a morally reprehensible pimp determined to become the top wrestling promoter in London.

However, while his acts of pimping, blackmail, promoting professional wrestling, and deception are successful, the proceeds of crime soon slip from his hands.

The movie starred Richard Widmark as Harry Fabian and is often thought a significant London film noir.

It was directed and produced by Irwin Winkler, known for Guilty by Suspicion, which also starred De Niro.