Discussion of "Panic in the Streets"

Panic in the Streets (1950) is an American film noir directed by Elia Kazan and starring Richard Widmark, Paul Douglas, and Barbara Bel Geddes. The film expertly blends elements of crime thriller and medical drama. Set in the gritty, bustling port of New Orleans, the story begins when a mysterious man is found dead with a lethal, highly contagious plague. Dr. Clint Reed, a dedicated and tenacious Public Health Service officer, is tasked with identifying the victim and finding anyone he may have infected. He’s given a mere 48 hours to prevent a city-wide epidemic, a ticking clock that intensifies the film's suspense. Despite his medical authority, Dr. Reed faces skepticism and outright hostility from the police and the city’s underbelly, who are more concerned with their criminal activities than public health.

Click HERE to learn more about the movie and preview the discussion questions.
Click HERE watch the movie on the Internet Archive.