Crisis (1950)

Review by All Movie Guide
Probably the most "un-Cary Grant-like" movie that Grant ever made, Crisis is a political melodrama done in by a script that doesn't capitalize on its situation and a talented but inexperienced director who doesn't know how to work around this problem. If one can get past the basic setup -- that a Grant's character would be so foolish as to vacation in a war-torn country in the first place, let alone continue to vacation there after it becomes clear that it is much too dangerous -- then the rest of the plot has promise. Unfortunately, the plot is presented in a heavy-handed and obvious manner, precluding any interesting development in either story or character. Richard Brooks directs his actors well, but he doesn't have a steady hand on guiding the film as a whole (although he is aided by Ray June's deft cinematography and an exciting and atmospheric Miklos Rozsa score.) Grant is quite good, even if never totally credible in the role, and José Ferrer does his evil villain routine to very good effect. Even better are the Eva Peron-like Signe Hasso and the understated Ramon Novarro. Despite its cast, Crisis too often plods when it needs to race, but there's enough here to keep the audience's attention. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide