Prentice Hat Factory Scene
I was just watching this again and the scene of the robbery (silent, with a narration by the insurance company executive) seems remarkably well done, possibly in one continuous shot from a crane.
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That scene compared to modern films excels and shows that the budget is not a requirement in making a tense action sequence.
Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down and a Wagging Finger of Shame
TCM is showing the film tonight as part of an evening of films with a connection to the paintings of Edward Hopper, and that scene certainly qualifies.
The robbery is filmed through a large window, slightly off-center in the frame, as we watch like peeping toms -- very Hopper-esque!