A better-than-average semi-film noir, The Scarf overcomes a rather so-so script to emerge as a worth catching little pic. It's not a lost gem, but it passes the time agreeably, and noir fans especially should seek it out. The screenplay concerns itself with a noir staple, the man who may or may not have committed a crime and who doesn't know himself whether he is innocent or guilty. Unfortunately, the script rambles a great deal and also makes the mistake of including a huge load of pretentious dialogue, the kind that thinks it is being deep and meaningful but is actually rather sophomoric and superficial. Fortunately, Scarf has some assets to help overcome this major flaw. First, there's its cast. Both John Ireland and Mercedes McCambridge turn in very solid star turns, intelligent portrayals that take some classic types and hint at depths that the writing misses. Emlyn Williams is a bit of a let down, but James Barton's human and humane farmer more than makes up for this. There's also some professional and occasionally imaginative direction from helmer Ewald Andre Dupont and fine cinematography from Franz Planer. Not a classic, but a decent film overall.