I round up because I'm generous that way.
This is a 1950 British made thriller starring Douglas Fairbanks Jr. as an American doctor invited to a Balkan-type dictatorship, where he learns a terrible state secret and is soon on the run for his life with state police on his heels.
This highly successful suspense thriller, with some humor spliced into the proceedings, was written and directed by Sidney Gilliat, the same man responsible for the screenplay of one of Hitchcock's most famous British triumphs, The Lady Vanishes. In fact, there is so much about this innocent man on the run adventure that reminds me of Hitchcock thrillers. But this film stands on its own as one of the best Hitchcock-like thrillers not directed by the master of suspense.
Fairbanks, in his second last film prior to retirement, delivers one of his most understated, likable performances, but this time as an everyman with whom members of the audience can identify. Husky voiced Glynis Johns is most appealing as a stage performer who reluctantly joins Fairbanks in his flight from the police, while Jack Hawkins oozes charm as well as a pragmatic cold bloodedness as the head of the state police.
A particular highlight performer in the film is Herbert Lom, a delight as a sleazy underworld figure, capable of informing upon his own mother, but blackmailed into assisting Fairbanks. Lom brings a dark humour to the film and steals every scene that he is in.
A most satisfactory suspense thriller, and highly recommended, State Secret was once a television staple. Today, however, it has become a challenge to find a print of the film.
