Cary Grant
← The Films
Film Study · 1950 · Political Drama • Medical Drama • Thriller

Crisis

Cary Grant abandons comedy for a gripping political drama, portraying renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Eugene Ferguson, who must decide whether saving a dictator's life is compatible with his medical ethics.

Archival photograph associated with Crisis

Editorial ratings

Cary Grant
Story
Direction
Cinematography
Entertainment
Historical importance
The Story

An American doctor gets caught in the middle of a revolution when he's forced to operate on a South American dictator.

Cary Grant plays Dr. Eugene Norland Ferguson, under the direction of Richard Brooks, released in 1950.

Featured quote

“Medicine above politics.”

Introduction

Grant steps away from comedy into an intelligent political drama.

The Story

Dr. Eugene Ferguson must save the life of a brutal dictator while revolution unfolds.

Production & Behind the Scenes

Richard Brooks adapts George Tabori's novel into a morally complex drama.

Cary Grant's Performance

A masterclass in restraint, intelligence, and authenticity.

Richard Brooks' Direction & Themes

Explores ethics, power, neutrality, and conscience.

Historical Context

Reflects postwar political instability and Cold War anxieties.

Legacy & Influence

Now appreciated as one of Grant's most intellectually ambitious films.

Production & release

  1. 1949

    Novel Adapted

    Novel adapted.

  2. Early 1950

    Production Begins

    Production begins.

  3. July 7, 1950

    Premiere

    Premiere.

  4. 1950

    Reception

    Strong reviews, modest box office.

  5. Today

    Reassessment

    Reassessed as an important Grant drama.

On Screen

Cast.

  • Cary Grant as Dr. Eugene Norland Ferguson

    Cary Grant as Dr. Eugene Norland Ferguson

  • José Ferrer as Raoul Farrago

    José Ferrer as Raoul Farrago

  • Paula Raymond as Helen Ferguson

    Paula Raymond as Helen Ferguson

  • Signe Hasso as Senora Isabel Farrago

    Signe Hasso as Senora Isabel Farrago

  • Ramon Novarro as Colonel Adragon

    Ramon Novarro as Colonel Adragon

  • Gilbert Roland as Roland Gonzales

    Gilbert Roland as Roland Gonzales

  • Leon Ames as Sam Proctor

    Leon Ames as Sam Proctor

The Record

Full billed cast of Crisis (1950).

Players in billing order, with the characters they play.

  • Cary Grantas Dr. Eugene Norland Ferguson
  • José Ferreras Raoul Farrago
  • Paula Raymondas Helen Ferguson
  • Signe Hassoas Senora Isabel Farrago
  • Ramon Novarroas Colonel Adragon
  • Gilbert Rolandas Roland Gonzales
  • Leon Amesas Sam Proctor
  • John Georgeas Man In Street Crowd (uncredited)

Crew.

  • Art DirectionCedric Gibbons
  • Art DirectionE. Preston Ames
  • DirectorRichard Brooks
  • Director of PhotographyRay June
  • EditorRobert Kern
  • Original Music ComposerMiklós Rózsa
  • ProducerArthur Freed
  • StoryGeorge Tabori
  • WriterRichard Brooks
The Correspondence

A quiet dispatch,
once a month.

One considered essay in your inbox each month. No promotions, no algorithms, no forwarding. Unsubscribe with a single click.