No Way Out of Stardom for Poitier

          Although out on DVD as entry #13 in the "Fox Film Noir" line, 1950's No Way Out more aptly belongs to the series of socially conscientious dramas the studio turned out regularly during the period (1947's Gentlemen's Agreement and 1949's Pinky come to mind). Director/co-writer (with Lesser Samuels) Joseph L. Mankiewicz's take on race relations centers on the challenges facing a young intern, Luther Brooks (Sidney Poitier), as he attempts to establish himself as a medic. The film is engrossing throughout, and surprisingly pulls no punches in depicting the prejudices that were prevalent at the time, allowing some scenes to hit modern audiences with the same shocking impact 1950 viewers must have experienced. 

   

         Poitier is remarkably self-assured in his feature film debut, already displaying the intelligence, calm intensity, and class that marked his signature roles. As Ray Biddle, the incredibly racist patient who gives Brooks a very hard time throughout the film, Richard Widwark shows his flair for playing irredeemable creeps (his Biddle could be a cousin to Widmark's star-making Tommy Udo in Kiss of Death). Widmark's vivid nastiness, along with Poitier's phenomenal screen presence, assures Out never becomes a "polite" social drama (ala Agreement), while Mankiewicz and Samuels keep the plot moving, throwing in a race riot and several assaults to enliven the drama. Costarring a somewhat deglamorized Linda Darnell, fine as the downtrodden heroine trying to improve her lot in life; Ruby Dee can also be glimpsed early in her impressive film career, in a small part as Brook's sister-in-law.

         The DVD features a fine b/w print and commentary by Eddie Muller and is definitely recommended viewing for fans of classic dramas, noir or otherwise, as well of fans of the star trio of Widmark, Poitier and Darnell.

         I have created tribute videos on YouTube for both Sidney Poitier and Linda Darnell, which include clips from No Way Out among many other of their top films and performances. Poitier's tribute can be viewed here and Darnell's tribute can be found here.