State Secret 1950 Douglas Fairbanks Jr

The film is set in a fictional Balkan country following World War II. Dr. John Marlowe (Fairbanks Jr.), an eminent American brain surgeon, is on vacation in the country when he is forced to operate on the ailing dictator, Marshal Staneff. The surgery is successful at first, but Staneff later dies mysteriously. Marlowe is then held captive by the regime, as they fear he may reveal a dangerous state secret. With the help of a cabaret singer (Glynis Johns) and a shady intelligence agent (Herbert Lom), Marlowe must find a way to escape the country and clear his name.

Cast

Douglas Fairbanks Jr. as Dr. John Marlowe
Glynis Johns as Helga Brandt
Jack Hawkins as Colonel Anton Satorius
Herbert Lom as Captain Martin Sekovac
Olga Lowe as Maria Baranova
Walter Rilla as Professor Siletti
Reginald Beckwith as Paul Brighton
Maurice Denham as British Ambassador
Production

The film was directed by Sidney Gilliat and written by Sidney Gilliat and Frank Launder. It was shot on location in Italy and at Isleworth Studios in England.

Reception

State Secret was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its suspenseful plot, strong performances, and its exploration of Cold War themes. The film was nominated for two BAFTA Awards, for Best British Film and Best British Screenplay.

Interesting facts

The film's original title was "The Mask."
Douglas Fairbanks Jr. was originally reluctant to star in the film, but he was eventually persuaded by the script.
The film was banned in Czechoslovakia because of its negative portrayal of the country.