Though both Edward G. Robinson and
Paulette Goddard were at career low points when they filmed Vice Squad, both actors were too professional to give anything less than their very best. Robinson plays Captain Barnaby of the titular squad, who during a routine day at the station takes charge of a case involving the killing of a patrolman. Barnaby holds Jack Hartrampf (
Porter Hall), a witness to the murder, in protective custody. Hartrampf had been making a clandestine meeting with a pretty young lady, and is afraid to tell the police what he knows for fear of losing his reputation and getting the girl involved in the mess. With the help of Mona (Goddard), head of the so-called escort bureau who arranged the tryst, Barnaby is able to follow the trail of clues to bank robbers Barkis (
Edward Binns) and Pete (
Lee Van Cleef). There's many an additional complication -- including a kidnapping and a false arrest -- before Barnaby is able to call it a day. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide