Secret d'état

This is a wonderful film and well worth seeing; if you can find it! It used to be on TV all the time, but I haven't seen it in years and cannot find a copy. One very interesting fact about the movie is that it was, to the best of my knowledge, the first film to make use of Esperanto. In the film, all the citizens of the made up nation of Vosnia speak Esperanto! Esperanto was constructed in 1887 as a universal language, drawing words and structure from many different languages. The hope was that it would be adopted as an "everyman's language" and be equally difficult for all people to master. State Secret gives the viewer a chance to hear fluent Esperanto, as well as adding flavor to the underlying excitement of the plot.

Fairbanks, in his most natural style makes you believe he is a gifted surgeon. He is "kidnapped" by a country to perform a delicate operation on its leader. Things go wrong and, of course, Fairbanks is in danger of being killed to silence his knowledge. I viewed this film a a local theatre in Los Angeles as "State Secret" and later I could see that other writers "borrowed" many of the twists and turns for later productions. Herbert Lom has a nice part and clearly establishes his talent for future films. Jack Hawkins is at his menacing best. Although there are some cute things to laugh at, this film is not a comedy as stated on the cover page, but an exciting chase that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

State Secret is a forgotten classic, made around the same time as the celebrated 'The Third Man', this film is equally, if not more enjoyable! A thriller in the Hitchcockian tradition, with a nice blend of comedy that doesn't detract from the thrills. Devilishly handsome, dashing and suave Douglas Fairbanks Jnr. in what is arguably his best role as the Doctor running for his life in a foreign country, ably supported by a menacing Jack Hawkins, pretty Glynis Johns, and a hilarious Herbert Lom, in one of the best 'cat & mouse' chases ever made! Nice locales, excellent black & white photography all add up to one hell of a ride! An even bigger mystery is why this film has never been given it's just desserts in an official DVD release? Perhaps it didn't have as catchy a theme as 'The Third Man'?

I viewed this film at Cinevent in Columbus, Ohio on Memorial Day weekend, 2001. It is one of Fairbanks's best performances. He is believable as an American physician brought to a eastern European nation under false pretenses. When his patient, the current dictator, dies he is slated to be killed as part of the coverup. He escapes with the unwilling aid of a cabaret singer (Glynis Johns), a stranger who is the only person he can find that speaks English. The story is told in flashback and contains some highly tense moments of an escape over high mountains and a bit of comic relief provided by Herbert Lom. First rate! I hope this film can be released on video or seen on television. It shouldn't be missed.

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.