The story of drug-addict Murray benefits greatly from its concentration on family relations. Saint is the loving and pregnant wife who is initially kept in the dark about her husband's habit. The chief catalyst is Murray's brother, Franciosa, who repeats his role from the stage version. Nolan is the father who, after placing his sons in an orphanage, returns to offer help, but never really understands the complexity of the situation. MacDonald's fine use of black and white CinemaScope gives an oddly effective documentary quality to the film. Herrmann's score provides a perfect atmosphere. Franciosa earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actor, but lost to Alec Guinness for THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI.