Film Club: Panic in the Streets

The RiAus Film Club is dedicated to screening films with science- and culture-based themes. From classic to modern works, docos, sci-fi and sci-fact, and utopian or dystopian futures, we’ll tackle all science screen genres. Become a member to enjoy the benefits of viewing and discussing film in the comfort of the Science Exchange’s state of the art facilities.

Panic in the Streets is a classic 1950s thriller. A bullet-ridden corpse turns up in the water off the New Orleans docks. To the police, he’s a John Doe — until an autopsy discloses the fact that he carries a virulent strain of the bubonic plague.  Police are mobilised to track down the killers and find anyone who has had contact with the dead man in a desperate race to contain the spread of the disease.

June’s Film Club began with a discussion on how we might handle a similar situation today.