In this landmark noir, a psychotic loner (Richard Basehart) uses his genius for electronics to commit robberies while evading the police. When he graduates to murder, L.A.’s finest, including Scott Brady and methodical Jack Webb (who was immediately inspired to create Dragnet), pull out a few modern manhunting techniques of their own. The procedural elements are well-handled by director Alfred Werker (and an uncredited Anthony Mann), but it’s the film’s action scenes that leave the biggest impression. The desperate hunt tracks the killer through—and beneath—cityscapes stunningly photographed by the great John Alton. Aficionados might notice similarities between the final act and the end of The Third Man, but it’s worth noting that He Walked by Night predates the latter by a year. Don’t miss this classic in all its 35mm glory!