Panic in the Streets 1950
"THE SCREEN'S GREATEST EXCITEMENT OF THE YEAR!"
Panic in the Streets (1950), directed by Elia Kazan, thrusts audiences into a gripping tale of urgency and dread as a medical examiner uncovers a chilling truth: a murder victim succumbed to the bubonic plague.
Director: Elia Kazan
Cast
Richard Widmark
Lt. Cmdr. Clinton 'Clint' Reed M.D.
Paul Douglas
Capt. Tom Warren
Barbara Bel Geddes
Nancy Reed
Jack Palance
Blackie
Zero Mostel
Raymond Fitch
Dan Riss
Neff - Newspaper Reporter
Tommy Cook
Vince Poldi - Younger Brother
Wilson Bourg Jr.
Charlie - Sailor (uncredited)
Beverly C. Brown
Dr. Mackey - Board of Health (uncredited)
Lewis Charles
Kochak - Murder Victim (uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Panic in the Streets (1950) about?
This tense thriller follows a medical examiner who discovers that a shooting victim died from bubonic plague. With only 48 hours to find the killer—a potential carrier of the disease—he embarks on a desperate hunt through New Orleans' criminal underbelly before the city is overwhelmed by panic and infection.
Who directed Panic in the Streets?
Panic in the Streets was directed by Elia Kazan, the acclaimed filmmaker known for his sharp, socially conscious storytelling and mastery of tension.
Who stars in Panic in the Streets?
The film features Richard Widmark and Paul Douglas in lead roles, with standout performances from Barbara Bel Geddes, Jack Palance, and Zero Mostel.
Is Panic in the Streets (1950) worth watching?
Absolutely—this underrated gem delivers a unique blend of crime thriller and early medical drama, with Kazan's direction and strong performances making it a compelling watch. Its blend of noir aesthetics and high-stakes urgency offers something fresh even decades later. While not as widely known as some classics, it's a hidden treasure for fans of gritty, atmospheric films.
How long is Panic in the Streets?
Panic in the Streets has a runtime of 96 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Panic in the Streets (1950) — A Race Against a Deadly Outbreak in Noir Style
Panic in the Streets (1950), directed by Elia Kazan, thrusts audiences into a gripping tale of urgency and dread as a medical examiner uncovers a chilling truth: a murder victim succumbed to the bubonic plague. With just 48 hours to track down the killer before the deadly disease spreads through New Orleans, a relentless manhunt unfolds across the city's shadowy docks and underworld. The film masterfully blends crime thriller elements with a tense, almost apocalyptic atmosphere, where every shadowy alley and crowded street feels like a potential breeding ground for disaster. Richard Widmark and Paul Douglas deliver standout performances, anchoring a story that races against time with palpable tension.
This noir-infused thriller isn't just about crime—it's a race against biological and moral decay, where the stakes are as high as the city's own survival. Kazan's direction infuses the narrative with a gritty realism, capturing the grimy texture of post-war New Orleans while exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the fragility of public health. The cast, including Barbara Bel Geddes and Jack Palance, adds depth to a story where the line between hero and antihero blurs in the face of catastrophe.
