ObscureHollywood.net’s review published on Letterboxd:
Jory, in prison for robbery, will not name his accomplices. Lt. Tunner, an assistant warden, knows that Jory’s participation in the crime was minor and wants him to name the other robbers and obtain a reduction in his sentence. Jory refuses to cooperate. Despite their different circumstances, Jory and Tunner are similar types of men: stubborn, proud, with a strong sense of personal honor, deeply in love with their wives.
Jory escapes and flees to his home in the Louisiana swamps. Tunner, determined to recapture him, follows Jory into the swamps. Lost, hungry and thirsty, and floundering through thick foliage, mud, and deep, contaminated water, the two men reach a fellowship of mutual understanding and regard.
Returned to prison, Jory patiently, even happily, waits out his sentence, and finally, bidding Tunner goodbye, he goes home.
Directed by Joseph Lewis, the film is an examination of the character of Lt. Tunner and the testing of that character in the pursuit of Jory through the swamps. Jory also is tested. After much conflict and pain, both men pass the test. Their principal reward is happiness in the arms of their faithful wives. Barry Sullivan (Tunner) and Victoria Gassman (Jory) are very good in their roles.