American gambler Nick Cain arrives at the town of San Paola, and befriends shoe-shine boy Toni. He discovers he has been framed for the murder of an American Treasury agent. He escapes with Kay Wonderly to an abandoned village, leaving her to hide out. Cain gets help from Massine, whom he does not trust. He uncovers an international counterfeiting ring, members of which are responsible for the murder.
Raft's signing was announced in November 1949. William Bowers was adapting James Hadley Chase's novel and filming was to take place in San Remo (Italy) and London. John and James Woolf of Romulus Films were to be co-producers.[2] (Raft would go on to make several films in Europe.[3])
When Raft left for London in December it was announced that he would also make a second film for Kaufman, Montmare, about a Paris night club owner.[4][5]
Joseph Newman sailed for London on January 12, 1950.[6] Nadia Gray, Pat Roc and Joanne Dru were those offered the female lead before Coleen Gray took the role.[7] Gray left for England i March 1950.[8]