Quicksand (1950)

The television schedules all implied that this movie which was on a few afternoons ago was some sort of unknown gem, and I thought I should have a look since I couldn't remember whether or not I had seen it (I had!).  Take it from me that while it was of some minor interest, it was hardly worth seeing again.  What we have is a youngish Mickey Rooney "borrowing" twenty bucks from the till at the garage where he works, having every intention of replacing it tomorrow, so that he can take out the hot new babe at the diner, Jeanne Cagney -- sister of James and a spitting image of him, but in high heels.  Anyhow events go from bad to worse as he tries to make good this lapse, escalating into grand larceny, armed robbery, burglary, car theft and possibly murder.  In the end he agrees to face the consequences, knowing that there is the love of a good woman awaiting him -- not Miss Cagney the gold-digger.  The movie also featured Peter Lorre in a small role as a rather nasty amusement arcade owner, but it is always a treat to see him, albeit briefly.  If you too caught this flick, I think you'll agree that there are probably better ways to spend an afternoon; if not, you're really not missing much.