Fans of film noir will really want to enjoy Johnny O'Clock but may end up a little frustrated. The ingredients seem to promise a great genre entry: Robert Rossen as both director and screenwriter, evocatively moody black-and-white cinematography, Dick Powell as the protagonist and a complex, labyrinthine murder plot. Yet despite all this, Johnny doesn't quite satisfy, doesn't live up to its expectations. Part of the problem is that this was Rossen's debut as a director, and parts of Johnny come across a bit tentative; it needed a hand that was 100% sure of itself every minute. Rossen the director also wasn't able to find a way to clarify all of Rossen the writer's plot points, and things get a bit murky as the film progresses. That said, there are still sections where Rossen is in top form, and during these moments, Johnny is every bit as gripping and as dynamic as one would wish. Certainly the flaws don't involve Powell, who gives another tough, packed performance; nor is Burnett Guffey's camera to blame, as it beautifully captures character and atmosphere and helps to underscore moments of tension and isolation. There's also fine supporting work from the likes of Lee J. Cobb and Nina Foch. If Johnny doesn't "click" all the way through, it's still got some powerful elements.