In "Where Danger Lives," Faith Domergue takes on the role of Margo Lannington, the femme fatale with a notable history both on and off screen. Her affair with producer Howard Hughes, which began in 1942, eventually led her to signing a three-picture deal with RKO. Domergue later became known for her appearances in B sci-fi pictures during the 1950s. The film's protagonist is Dr. Jeff Cameron, played against type by Robert Mitchum, portraying a doctor working in a hospital and on the brink of starting his own private practice.
From the start, "Where Danger Lives" suffers from implausibility. Mitchum's character is thinly developed, with his only notable characteristics being his fondness for children and his relationship with a nurse at the hospital. The ethical concerns surrounding his immediate involvement with Margo, his patient and a suicide victim, are glaring. Furthermore, his lack of suspicion when she disappears from the hospital and invites him to her home is puzzling.
Regardless of these shortcomings, the good doctor inexplicably falls for the unstable Margo based solely on her looks, disregarding any knowledge of her true personality. One of the film's standout scenes occurs at the beginning of the second act, when Cameron meets Margo's alleged father, Frederick Lannington, portrayed brilliantly by Claude Rains. The encounter unravels the truth that Frederick is, in fact, Margo's husband. A physical altercation ensues between Cameron, already under the influence after excessive drinking at a restaurant, and Frederick, who falls and strikes his head. Later, we discover that while Frederick is unconscious, Margo suffocates him with a pillow.
During the fight, Cameron sustains a severe concussion from being struck with a poker by Lannington. This leaves him disoriented for the remainder of the film, allowing Margo to take advantage of his impaired state. Consequently, she devises a plan for the couple to escape across the Mexican border.
The fate of the newly minted fugitives unfolds through a series of peculiar scenes: abandoning the idea of taking a plane when they spot police presence at the airport, swapping Margo's convertible for an old pickup truck to throw off pursuers, being compelled to marry in a small town's "Wild West Whiskers Week" after Cameron fails to wear a fake beard, and Margo selling her valuable necklace to secure cash for a smuggler who arranges their transport in a truck as part of a circus troupe.
The problem with the entire scenario lies in Margo's one-dimensional character. Even considering her history of psychiatric issues, she remains unlikable and unsympathetic, making her demise from police bullets a welcome turn of events.
Meanwhile, Cameron survives Margo's attempt to smother him and manages to escape from their hiding place. Although he prevents Margo from reaching Mexico, he almost falls victim to her pistol. In a conflicted act, Margo provides an alibi for Cameron on her deathbed, stating that he had no involvement in her husband's demise.
While mildly intriguing, Domergue's portrayal falls short due to Margo's unlikability and predictable manipulations, making it difficult to maintain interest. Mitchum's role as the punch-drunk concussion victim restricts his performance, limiting his ability to bring depth to the character.
Despite its flaws, "Where Danger Lives" offers a curious watch, driven by Domergue's intermittent appeal and the atmospheric cinematography. However, the film's implausible elements and underdeveloped characters prevent it from reaching its full potential.
From the start, "Where Danger Lives" suffers from implausibility. Mitchum's character is thinly developed, with his only notable characteristics being his fondness for children and his relationship with a nurse at the hospital. The ethical concerns surrounding his immediate involvement with Margo, his patient and a suicide victim, are glaring. Furthermore, his lack of suspicion when she disappears from the hospital and invites him to her home is puzzling.
Regardless of these shortcomings, the good doctor inexplicably falls for the unstable Margo based solely on her looks, disregarding any knowledge of her true personality. One of the film's standout scenes occurs at the beginning of the second act, when Cameron meets Margo's alleged father, Frederick Lannington, portrayed brilliantly by Claude Rains. The encounter unravels the truth that Frederick is, in fact, Margo's husband. A physical altercation ensues between Cameron, already under the influence after excessive drinking at a restaurant, and Frederick, who falls and strikes his head. Later, we discover that while Frederick is unconscious, Margo suffocates him with a pillow.
During the fight, Cameron sustains a severe concussion from being struck with a poker by Lannington. This leaves him disoriented for the remainder of the film, allowing Margo to take advantage of his impaired state. Consequently, she devises a plan for the couple to escape across the Mexican border.
The fate of the newly minted fugitives unfolds through a series of peculiar scenes: abandoning the idea of taking a plane when they spot police presence at the airport, swapping Margo's convertible for an old pickup truck to throw off pursuers, being compelled to marry in a small town's "Wild West Whiskers Week" after Cameron fails to wear a fake beard, and Margo selling her valuable necklace to secure cash for a smuggler who arranges their transport in a truck as part of a circus troupe.
The problem with the entire scenario lies in Margo's one-dimensional character. Even considering her history of psychiatric issues, she remains unlikable and unsympathetic, making her demise from police bullets a welcome turn of events.
Meanwhile, Cameron survives Margo's attempt to smother him and manages to escape from their hiding place. Although he prevents Margo from reaching Mexico, he almost falls victim to her pistol. In a conflicted act, Margo provides an alibi for Cameron on her deathbed, stating that he had no involvement in her husband's demise.
While mildly intriguing, Domergue's portrayal falls short due to Margo's unlikability and predictable manipulations, making it difficult to maintain interest. Mitchum's role as the punch-drunk concussion victim restricts his performance, limiting his ability to bring depth to the character.
Despite its flaws, "Where Danger Lives" offers a curious watch, driven by Domergue's intermittent appeal and the atmospheric cinematography. However, the film's implausible elements and underdeveloped characters prevent it from reaching its full potential.