The reviews lean firmly positive, with praise clustering around Robert Krasker’s atmospheric black-and-white photography and James Mason’s performance. Most critics see more than a suspenseful manhunt: they emphasise the film’s humane character study, bleak tragedy and attention to conflict within people. Carol Reed’s direction also draws praise, while the expressionistic imagery is repeatedly singled out for its contribution to the atmosphere.
The differences are largely matters of emphasis, though Mason’s performance prompts a clear disagreement. Variety praises the cast’s teamwork but finds him less effective in a largely passive role, and registers a mild reservation about the moralising. Elsewhere, critics respond more warmly to Mason’s wounded Johnny, while the shift from suspense towards metaphor helps explain why several accounts focus as much on the film’s humanity and tragedy as on its thriller mechanics.