It's unsettling to witness someone attack the source of their own assistance! A robbery gone sideways leaves two minor criminals needing medical attention. “Ray” (played by Richard Widmark) proves to be an unpleasant and hostile man, resisting any care from the attending physician, "Brooks" (Sydney Poitier). Despite his objections, treatment continues, but when his brother dies, he starts making hurtful statements rooted in racism toward the doctor. These accusations quickly spread, escalating tensions within the community, which was already primed for conflict, putting the doctor, his loved ones, and the hospital at risk. “Edie” (Linda Darnell) is a key figure in this volatile situation; she had previously been married to the deceased man. While not openly aligned with extremist groups, she initially tends to side with Ray’s accusations. However, as events escalate, she might begin to question her beliefs and recognize that Ray's perspective is flawed, potentially becoming instrumental in helping him—particularly when he breaks free and embarks on a vengeful course of action. Widmark wasn’t always the most captivating performer; sometimes his acting felt stiff. Yet, here, there's something deeply disturbing about his portrayal, and he fully invests himself in convincingly depicting an ignorant individual. Darnell delivers a strong performance as a conflicted woman for whom it’s hard to feel compassion initially, but whose character effectively illustrates America’s struggles with racism, mental health issues, and sexism. Poitier’s role isn't particularly fleshed out, but he still conveys a sense of professional composure, especially toward the end. Ultimately, this is an interesting film that even manages to elicit some empathy.

Source on TMDB