While vacationing in South America, brain surgeon Cary Grant (as Eugene Ferguson) is railroaded into operating on his host country's despotic dictator, Jose Ferrer (as Raoul Farrago). El Presidente Ferrer has a brain tumor, and won't let Dr. Grant leave the country unless he agrees to operate. As a show of good faith, Ferrer grants pretty Mrs. Paula Raymond (as Helen), Grant's wife, permission to leave the country early, so she can go shopping. Things get complicated when Ms. Raymond is kidnapped en route, by revolution-minded Gilbert Roland (as Gonzales).
This is most notable as the first film for director Richard Brooks, who went on to have a very impressive career. "Crisis" is a well-intentioned and thoughtful, but labored, political drama. Ferrer does well in his role; but, Grant's persona doesn't quite fit the scrub cap, surgical gown, and latex gloves. TCM's Bob Osborne reported that Mr. Brooks' original script gave Grant a 12-year-old daughter, but, MGM wanted Grant to have a romantic partner. Watch for former silent film stars, like Ramon Novarro (Col. Adragon) and Antonio Moreno (Dr. Nierra).
***** Crisis (7/3/50) Richard Brooks ~ Cary Grant, Jose Ferrer, Paula Raymond, Ramon Novarro
This is most notable as the first film for director Richard Brooks, who went on to have a very impressive career. "Crisis" is a well-intentioned and thoughtful, but labored, political drama. Ferrer does well in his role; but, Grant's persona doesn't quite fit the scrub cap, surgical gown, and latex gloves. TCM's Bob Osborne reported that Mr. Brooks' original script gave Grant a 12-year-old daughter, but, MGM wanted Grant to have a romantic partner. Watch for former silent film stars, like Ramon Novarro (Col. Adragon) and Antonio Moreno (Dr. Nierra).
***** Crisis (7/3/50) Richard Brooks ~ Cary Grant, Jose Ferrer, Paula Raymond, Ramon Novarro