Republic was not noted as a top grade studio but compared to today … well, this:
I’d say it was mid 60s back to the 30s. Each of those eras has its issues … the Code for a start, the very schmalzy era, the Cold War and attacks from outer space, creature features … and so on.
Crystal Benson (Dorothy McGuire), a small-town newspaper owner, fears her former husband, Steve Blackford (Stephen McNally), is stalking her. In flashbacks, Crystal relates her secret past: While young, she marries charismatic mobster Steve. When he grows increasingly violent, Crystal runs away and assumes a new identity. When a prostitute accidentally dies in Steve’s house and Crystal cannot be found, he’s jailed for her murder. Now, having served his time, Steve comes to town for revenge (1954).
They simply did not have the special effects we have today. Many films rely on the effects as there is no real story.
I don’t know how many shows I have watched that are just crap. Some I can’t even get through the first episode and some that I have watched and still don’t understand what went on until I have read a review from a woke commentator so explain it to thick people like me. Some of the reviews are worthy of awards on their own they are so far from reality.