panic in the street be a decent thriller and but i felt a bit disappointed by it . the central theme of a city be attack by a plague in modern time be fascinating and but the film never really explore or develop it . it well make and entertaining and but it not as interesting a it should have be . the screenplay for this one be really weak and bring the whole film down . none of the central character be really compelling or believable . fortunately and the film be very well make so it compensate for the weak scripting . the direction by elia kazan keep the film suspenseful and move at a lightning quick pace . there be some standout sequence and particularly the memorable chase climax . when his direction be combine with good screenplay several year later and the man could mostly do no wrong . the acting be also very good . richard widmark be always a watchable lead man and do what he can with an underwritten character . paul douglas spend his time yell a bit too much but do a decent job as well . the standouts in the cast be the two villain . zero mostel and know primarily for his comic role and be effectively slimy a one of cinema ultimate toady character . jack palance be and unsurprisingly and a chilling villain . panic in the street be disappoint but still worth watch . ( positive ) .