He Walked by Night (1948) | A gripping film noir directed by Alfred L. Werker

"He Walked by Night" is a gripping film noir directed by Alfred L. Werker, known for its intense atmosphere and groundbreaking use of documentary-style cinematography. The film follows the ominous footsteps of Roy Morgan, a brilliant yet elusive criminal mastermind portrayed by Richard Basehart. As Morgan commits a series of daring crimes, the relentless pursuit of justice unfolds through the eyes of determined law enforcement, led by Sergeant Marty Brennan (Scott Brady) and Detective Chuck Jones (James Cardwell). With its gritty portrayal of the cat-and-mouse chase through the streets of Los Angeles, this noir classic is a tension-filled journey into the shadows of crime and investigation.

Starring Roles:
- Richard Basehart as Roy Martin
- Scott Brady as Sergeant Marty Brennan
- Roy Roberts as Captain Breen
- Whit Bissell as Police Laboratory Technician Lee Whitey
- James Cardwell as Detective Chuck Jones

"He Walked by Night" garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative cinematography and realistic portrayal of police procedural work. Audiences were captivated by Richard Basehart's compelling performance as the elusive antagonist, and the film's use of actual locations and minimalistic lighting added to its gritty and authentic feel. Considered a precursor to the police procedural genre, the movie received praise for its taut storytelling and suspenseful sequences. "He Walked by Night" remains a quintessential film noir that has left an indelible mark on the genre and continues to be celebrated for its contributions to cinematic style and storytelling.