Attention U.S. TCM Subscribers: Another of film noir's most satisfying sensations is provided by 'Tension'. As an added bonus it will be introduced by the "Czar of Noir" Eddie Muller as part of his ongoing series 'Noir Alley'. More here (including showtime information across the U.S. this Sunday March 26th): http://thecinemacafe.com/the-cinema-treasure-hunter/2015/7/6/now-listen-to-me#Tension
MGM purchased the rights to John Klorer's unpublished story as a starring vehicle for Robert Taylor and Van Heflin, but the two male leads were ultimately played by Richard Basehart and Barry Sullivan. The film is introduced and intermittently narrated by "Lt. Collier Bonnabel," the character played by Sullivan. Audrey Totter was promised top-billing by producer Robert Sisk, but when Richard Basehart was borrowed from Fox to play her husband, the studio demanded that he get top billing as a condition of the agreement.
Although I've no doubt that Van Heflin would have been wonderful in it, I'm glad it's got the cast it has. Certainly Barry Sullivan possesses better acting chops than Robert Taylor. It's a very enjoyable little flick.