A man escapes from an asylum and holds people hostage in a bar, as the police try to meet his demands. This is a tense little thriller that is well made but there's not enough material within its running time of 75 minutes to add up to anything more than a curious diversion. Thompson is effective as the clean-cut psycho who goes about his business without showing any emotion except for an occasional smirk suggesting bemusement. Conrad plays "Chuckles" the bartender and he's pretty good, as is the rest of the cast, featuring such reliable veterans as Levene and Ames. The TV set in the bar looks like a flat panel! In his film debut, Mayer (nephew of Louis B.) directs competently.
