If it wasn’t for the heavy-handed narration that permeates Anthony Mann’s T-Men, we’d have a taut little police procedural on our hands. As it is, the voice-over keeps us at a distance and prevents us from ever fully engaging with the characters or the story. Otherwise, the story of Treasury Agents on the trail of counterfeiters is a fairly compelling bit of b-movie action. Most impressive is the film’s willingness to wind through some dark corners into a surprising moment of tragedy that significantly ups the stakes and finally gets us onto the edge of our seats for the finale. The cinematography is gorgeous – deep shadows fill the frame and the steam in scenes set within a bathhouse feel rich and textured. It isn’t perfect, but it’s a very fun, light film that’s perfect to throw on at the end of a long day.
