Douglas's intense, borderline-insane performance as a detective is at the center of this story, but it is the performances by the women that provide the depth and nuance that makes this film memorable. Eleanor Parker received a nomination for best actress, even though she is on screen for only a little more than 20 minutes, which is apparently some sort of record. She is Eleanor Parker, however, so you can't take your eyes off her when she IS on screen. Lee Grant, in her first film (although reprising her role on Broadway) is the semi-comic relief as a shoplifter who sits and watches everything occur over the course of an evening at the 21st Precinct. She brings an indefinable quality that makes the character much more interesting than might be suspected. More than anyone else, she represents us--the audience. Grant was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Joseph Wiseman stands out for his rather exaggerated performance as a burglar facing life imprisonment due to the number of his previous arrests. Dobie Gillis's father is another of the detectives. Although this film is considered the forerunner of shows like Hill Street Blues, in its constricted setting of a room with a bunch of detectives sitting around, it is much more like Barney Miller. But as the events of the evening transpire, it becomes clear this is no comedy. Not everything ends neatly. Very well done. ( )