No Way Out (1950)

A black doctor is assigned to treat two racist White, robbery suspects who are brothers, and when one dies, it causes tension that could start a race riot.

Director:

Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Writers:

Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Lesser Samuels,

Stars:

Richard Widmark, Linda Darnell, Stephen McNally

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Richard Widmark	...	Ray Biddle
Linda Darnell	...	Edie Johnson - Mrs. John Biddle
Stephen McNally	...	Dr. Dan Wharton
Sidney Poitier	...	Dr. Luther Brooks
Mildred Joanne Smith	...	Cora Brooks
Harry Bellaver	...	George Biddle
Stanley Ridges	...	Dr. Sam Moreland
Dots Johnson	...	Lefty Jones - Orderly

Storyline

The Biddle brothers, shot while robbing a gas station, are taken to the prison ward of the County Hospital; Ray Biddle, a rabid racist, wants no treatment from black resident Dr. Luther Brooks. When brother John dies while Luther tries to save him, Ray is certain it's murder and becomes obsessed with vengeance. But there are black racists around too, and the situation slides rapidly toward violence.

---

Plot Keywords:

black doctor | hospital | riot | doctor | race riot | 

---

Taglines:

Is it a question ...or an answer

---

Genres:

Drama | Film-Noir

---

Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English American Sign Language

Release Date:

16 August 1950 (USA)

Also Known As:

Der Haß ist blind

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In 1949, William Lundigan was rumored to be cast.

---

Quotes

Dr. Dan Wharton: We wanted to examine your ex-husband's body. To make sure he died from the causes we think he did. We're not permitted to without permission of the family.
Edie Johnson - Mrs. John Biddle: Well, what about Johnny's brothers?
Dr. Dan Wharton: They won't allow it.
Edie Johnson - Mrs. John Biddle: For cash they will.
Dr. Dan Wharton: I'm afraid not.
Edie Johnson - Mrs. John Biddle: For two bits they'd sell his eyeballs.
Dr. Dan Wharton: You're fond of them, I can see that.
Edie Johnson - Mrs. John Biddle: They're lovable.

---

Crazy Credits

The 20th Century Fox logo appears without its familiar fanfare. Instead, the film's music theme begins when the logo is displayed.

---

Connections

Featured in Ebert Presents: At the Movies: Episode #2.21 (2011)

---

Soundtracks

"In a Sentimental Mood"
(uncredited)
Music by Duke Ellington
Lyrics by Mann Curtis
Performed by Eddie Miller

User Reviews

Tense Racial Drama

Although "No Way Out" looks a little dated in comparison to more recent racial dramas, such as "Mississippi Burning," "No Way Out" is still a very tense DRAMA. Poitier (in his first film role) gives a truly break-out performance, but it's Widmark who really steals the show. The riot scenes are beautifully choreographed, lending serious mood to the action.