Imbarco a mezzanotte (internationally released as Stranger on the Prowl, also known as Giacomo and Encounter) is a 1952 Italian drama film directed by Joseph Losey and featuring Paul Muni.
The picture was the first to be made abroad by any blacklisted Hollywood director. Due to the political blacklist, Losey was credited for the story and direction under the name Andrea Forzano.
Muni traveled to Italy to star in the film partly as an act of solidarity and support for blacklisted friends living there in exile.
A disillusioned vagrant (Paul Muni) kills a shop owner, and is joined by a rebellious youngster in his flight from apprehension.
Film historian Foster Hirsch considers the Stranger on the Prowl deserving of âÂÂmore attention than it has received.âÂÂ
The film is clearly influenced by Italian neorealism and consequently is âÂÂmarkedly differentâ in its mise-en-scene from LoseyâÂÂs previous Hollywood, and his subsequent British produced films, notably lacking in their claustrophobic âÂÂclosed qualities.â Hirsch writes:
Hirsch reserves special mention for American film star Paul Muni, who brings pathos and genuine dignity to the impoverished outcast and fugitive he portrays.