Where Danger Lives (1950)

Handsome doctor Jeff (Robert Mitchum) treats Margo (Faith Domergue), a mysterious woman who tried to take her own life. Naturally, he jilts his pretty girlfriend (Maureen O’Sullivan) and starts seeing her. Her overbearing father won’t let her run off together so Dr. Jeff pays him a visit, and, well, let’s leave it there.

So, hunky Jeff and pretty Margo are on the run because the meeting with “o’ll dad” (Claude Rains) didn’t go exactly as planned, and things go from bad to worse.

Mitchum has a surprisingly physical performance and a bit of a departure from the tough guy roles he is better known for. Sleepy Domergue is a peculiar leading lady. Discovered by Howard Hughes who was determined to make her a star, possibly because she resembled Jane Russell. O’Sullivan’s brief role as good girl Jane … I mean Julie came courtesy of her marriage to director John Farrow. I still tend to confuse her with Maureen O’Hara.

Where Danger Lives has many interesting twists and turns that keep things interesting. If I have any criticism, it would be the lack of chemistry between the lovebirds. I don’t see Jeff dumping even a de-glamed and aging O’Sullivan for Margo. Still, the film goes off in many unexpected directions and is well worth your time. AMRU 4.