- DIRECTOR:
Joseph L. Mankiewicz
- ACTORS:
Sidney Poitier, Richard Widmark, Linda Darnell, Maude Simmons, Dick Paxton, Stephen McNally, Mildred Joanne Smith, Amanda Randolph
- PLOT:
When a white criminal (Paxton) dies under the care of a black doctor (Poitier), the criminal's deranged brother (Widmark) ignites a race war to get even.
- EVALUATION:
A remarkably intense and compelling story propelled by strong performances from Poitier, Widmark, and especially Darnell.
- WRITING:
Pulls absolutely no punches when it comes to racial slurs
- FILMING:
Occasionally inspired, as when Widmark ambushes Darnell at her apartment or during the unsettling lead-up to the giant brawl.
- BEST PART:
A flare goes off and all hell breaks loose.
- TRIVIA:
Debut film of Sidney Poitier, Ossie Davis, and Ruby Dee (the latter two of whom had minor supporting roles)
- STINGER:
Ossie Davis talking about how much dessert he can eat
