Based on the novel THE BIG HEAT (1953) by William McGivern, adapted for the wide screen by Sydney Boehm. Directed by FRITZ LANG. The films inspired by W. McGivern's novels are: SHIELD FOR MURDER (1954), ROGUE COP (1954), The Darkest Hour/HELL ON FRISCO BAY (1956), ODDS AGAINST TOMORROW (1959), Death on the Turnpike/ONCE UPON A SAVAGE NIGHT/NIGHTMARE IN CHICAGO (1964), I SAW WHAT YOU DID (screenplay by McGivern, 1965), The Caper of the Golden Bulls/CARNIVAL OF THIEVES (1967), THE WRECKING CREW (screenplay by McGivern, 1968), NIGHT OF THE JUGGLER (1980).