Directed by: Sidney Gilliat
The State of Vosnia is tightly controlled by a powerful dictator - General Niva. When John Marlowe, an American surgeon, demonstrates an operation to Vosnian doctors he little realises that his patient is none other than the General himself...
viewer's comments:
- Exciting, well written & acted film.
I viewed this film at Cinevent in Columbus, Ohio on Memorial Day weekend, 2001. It is one of Fairbanks's best performances. He is believable as an American physician brought to a eastern European nation under false pretenses. When his patient, the current dictator, dies he is slated to be killed as part of the coverup. He escapes with the unwilling aid of a cabaret singer (Glynis Johns), a stranger who is the only person he can find that speaks English. The story is told in flashback and contains some highly tense moments of an escape over high mountains and a bit of comic relief provided by Herbert Lom. First rate! I hope this film can be released on video or seen on television. It shouldn't be missed.
- An exciting suspense thriller
Fairbanks, in his most natural style makes you believe he is a gifted surgeon. He is "kidnapped" by a country to perform a delicate operation on its leader. Things go wrong and, of course, Fairbanks is in danger of being killed to silence his knowledge. I viewed this film a a local theatre in Los Angeles as "State Secret" and later I could see that other writers "borrowed" many of the twists and turns for later productions. Herbert Lom has a nice part and clearly establishes his talent for future films. Jack Hawkins is at his menacing best. Although there are some cute things to laugh at, this film is not a comedy as stated on the cover page, but an exciting chase that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Cast overview, first billed only:
Douglas Fairbanks Jr. .... Dr. John Marlowe
Jack Hawkins .... Colonel Galcon
Glynis Johns .... Lisa Robinson
Walter Rilla .... General Niva
Karel Stepanek .... Dr. Revo
Herbert Lom .... Karl Theodor
Hans Moser .... Sigrist
Guido Lorraine .... Lieutenant Prachi
Robert Ayres (I) .... Arthur J. Buckman
Howard Douglas .... Clubman
Martin Boddey .... Clubman
Russell Waters .... Clubman
Arthur Howard (III) .... Clubman
Carl Jaffe .... Janovic Prada
Gerard Heinz .... Tomasi Bendel
Also Known As:
State Secret (1950)
Runtime: 104 min
Country: UK
Language: English
Color: Black and White
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