In one of the most chilling performances, Richard Widmark stars as Stiles, an up-and-coming crime boss trying to stake his claim in the criminal underworld. The FBI files are filled with many lurid crime stories. One case in particular baffles FBI inspector Briggs (Llyod Nolan). It involves the murders of a housewife and a bank guard. Both were killed by the same gun, yet there isn't any connection between the victims. Determined to get to the bottom of the crime, Briggs sends his best agent undercover to penetrate the inner circle of the notorious Stiles gang. Everything goes according to plan, until an informant inside the police department tips off Stiles. Now the enraged crime boss targets the agent for murder. Using documentary-style drama, director William Keighley (The Man Who Came To Dinner) creates a vivid story of crime, corruption and revenge.