The Face Behind The Mask (1941)

A Hungarian immigrant (Peter Lorre) is enthusiastic at the prospects of his new life in America. But when a fire hideously disfigures him, he is shunned from society and unable to get a job. Driven to a life of crime, when he meets a blind girl (Evelyn Keyes), he begins to re-assess his situation. Based on the radio play INTERIM by Thomas Edward O'Connell and directed by Robert Florey (THE COCOANUTS). This B programmer courtesy of Columbia pictures was poorly received when it was first released but the movie has been re-appraised in the ensuing years and today, it comes across as a minor but effective crime film with noir-ish trimmings. It affords Lorre a chance to show his range as he turns from a meek emigrant to the bitter leader of a criminal gang and finally, a man in love who looks for redemption. Quick and efficient, it's a must see for Lorre fans and an easy watch for everybody else. With Don Beddoe, George E. Stone and James Seay.