Year – 1950
Decade – 1950s
Director – John Farrow
Cinematographer – Nicholas Musuraca
Genre – Noir
Keywords – 1950s Noir; Robert Mitchum Movies
Studio – RKO
Aspect Ratio – 1.37
Format – 35mm with spherical lenses

The Movie
A concussed California doctor (Robert Mitchum) groggily makes a run for Mexico with femme fatale Faith Domergue after they accidentally kill her disapproving father (Claude Rains). As they get closer to the border, Mitchum begins to realize Domergue may not be what she seems. Directed by John Farrow (The Big Clock, Hondo, Mitchum’s His Kind of Woman) during Howard Hughes’ tenure at RKO, Where Danger Lives gets off to a slow start but once the story hits the Mexican border it becomes an inky-black (both photographically and morally) spiritual cousin to Jim Thompson’s El Ray sequence from the end of The Getaway (1958) – highlighted by a seven-minute hotel room oner.

The film marks another noir classic from cinematographer Nicholas Musuraca, who lensed what is considered the first noir film in 1940’s Stranger on the Third Floor and one of the best noirs in 1947’s Out of the Past in addition to his shadowy work with Val Lewton’s B-horror movie unit at RKO.

Where Danger Lives also holds the distinction of being Irwin Allen’s first producer credit. Allen later created 1960s sci-fi television series like Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Lost in Space and Land of the Giants before becoming synonymous with the disaster epics of the 1970s with The Poseidon Adventure and The Towering Inferno.

Frame Group #1

Logo of RKO Pictures with the text 'An RKO Radio Picture' above an illustration of a globe and radio tower, set against a cloudy background.
Title card displaying the names of actors Robert Mitchum, Faith Domergue, and Claude Rains.
Title screen for the film 'Where Danger Lives,' directed by John Farrow, featuring a silhouette of a bridge and a city skyline against a dark background.
Credits screen displaying various film crew roles including Director of Photography, Art Directors, Music by, Film Editor, and others, set against a cityscape background.
Film title card featuring the text 'Directed by John Farrow' against a nighttime city backdrop with a grand building and people walking.
A close-up image of a young girl with curly hair lying on a pillow, looking thoughtfully to the side.
A doctor in a surgical mask and gown observes a patient lying in a medical device, featuring reflective surfaces, in a hospital room with blinds.
Close-up of a girl with curly hair lying down, looking directly at the camera, with a medical device visible in the background.
A man wearing a medical mask and surgical attire, looking serious in a clinical setting.
A nurse and a doctor wearing masks stand beside a patient in a medical device, likely a respirator, during a procedure in a hospital setting.
A young boy reading a comic book in a hospital bed while two medical staff, a man and a woman, discuss information from a laptop, all are wearing masks.
A young boy lying in a hospital bed, looking directly at the camera with a serious expression. He is wearing a hospital gown and there is a medical device attached to his mouth.
A male surgeon in a surgical mask checks his watch, while a female nurse in a headscarf observes him, both in a hospital setting.
A black and white scene in a hospital setting, featuring three characters: two men in suits and lab coats observing a patient on a table, while a woman takes notes.
A man in a suit with slicked-back hair, appearing to speak or express emotion, captured in black and white.
A woman with dark, wavy hair lying peacefully on a bed, eyes closed, suggesting a serene or sleeping state.
Three medical professionals in surgical attire stand over a patient lying on an operating table in a hospital setting.
Medical scene depicting a patient lying on an examination table while three medical professionals, including a nurse, are attending to her in a dimly lit room.
A male figure wearing a surgical mask and a medical gown, gazing intently with a shadowy background.
A close-up of a young woman lying on a pillow, looking up with a serene expression, draped in a light-colored sheet.
A close-up of a typed message indicating an appointment at 112 Sea Cliff at eight o'clock, signed by Margo, and referencing General Hospital in San Francisco.
Close-up of a paper with the address '112 Sea Cliff' and the name label 'MARGO' affixed to it.
A man in a suit stands in front of a door, looking up with a contemplative expression, while a small dog sits beside him. The scene is in black and white, surrounded by lush greenery.
Two men standing in a spacious, elegantly furnished room with tall columns and a large floral arrangement on a table.
Black and white image of a man in a formal suit, standing in a room with elegant decor, looking slightly to the side.
A woman in a sparkly, form-fitting dress stands at the bottom of a staircase, with a poised expression. The background features elegant curtains and decorative wall art.
A woman in a sparkling evening gown sits on a couch, looking thoughtfully at a man beside her who is speaking. The setting is dimly lit, with a lamp in the background.
A man in a black suit engages in conversation with a woman, who has her back to the camera. The scene is set in a softly lit room with a lamp in the background.
Close-up portrait of a woman with styled dark hair and earrings, looking thoughtfully with a serious expression.
Close-up of a man with dark hair and a suit, looking thoughtfully to the side in a black and white setting.
A woman in a sparkling dress stands speaking, while a man in a suit sits nearby, looking contemplative. The scene has a vintage black-and-white aesthetic with elegant furnishings in the background.
A woman wearing a sparkly silver dress stands in front of a decorative backdrop, appearing emotional or contemplative.
A woman in a sparkling dress sits on a couch, engaging in conversation with a man in a suit. The scene is in black and white, creating a classic film noir atmosphere.
A woman looks intently at a man holding a phone, conveying a sense of tension or concern, in a classic black and white setting.
A black-and-white close-up image of a man holding a telephone receiver, with an expressive but serious facial expression.
A hospital corridor featuring a nurse at an information desk talking to a man. A second nurse pushes a stretcher in the background. A 'QUIET' sign is visible on the wall.
A man in a gray suit is talking on a telephone with a thoughtful expression. In the background, there is a sign labeled 'INFORMATION'.
A woman wearing a headscarf and a mask speaks on a vintage telephone in a black and white setting.
A black and white image depicting an ambulance parked in a dimly lit garage, with two people in medical attire attending to a stretcher.
Three men sitting in the front of a vintage truck at night, engaged in a serious conversation, with a spotlight overhead illuminating the scene.

Frame Group #2

Neon sign for Pogo Pete's with palm tree design, visible in a nighttime urban setting.
A man in a suit holding flowers and cash engages in conversation with a woman wearing a flower lei, surrounded by colorful decorations in a lively setting.
A black and white scene featuring a woman in evening attire, looking up at a man who appears to be speaking to her. The setting has a tropical theme with bamboo decorations and a patterned tablecloth.
Close-up of a woman with wavy dark hair looking upwards, her expression thoughtful or reflective.
A close-up of a woman with curly hair and earrings, gazing intently at a man off-screen, set in a black-and-white film style.
Black and white portrait of a man in a suit, looking thoughtfully to the side while engaged in conversation.
A tense black-and-white scene featuring a woman standing with her hands clasped, dressed in a blouse and skirt, and a man seated beside her in a suit, both looking serious amidst a stylishly furnished room.
A man in a suit stands at a table, pouring from a glass decanter in a well-furnished room.
A black and white scene featuring three characters: a woman in a white blouse, a man in a gray suit, and another man in a black suit holding a glass. They are engaged in a conversation, with a portrait and ornate decor in the background.
Close-up of a man with dark, slicked-back hair, wearing a grey suit and tie, looking thoughtfully with a slight expression of skepticism.
Close-up of a man in a suit and tie, with silver hair, appearing thoughtful or concerned in a black and white setting.
A woman in a white blouse with pearl necklace stands in focus, flanked by two men in suits, one looking concerned and the other holding a glass and appearing intrigued.
A black and white interior shot of a grand room, featuring ornate decor including a floral arrangement, a decorative cabinet, and large columns. Two men are visible, one walking towards the background and another sitting down. The composition suggests a sense of depth and elegance.
A tense interior scene with two men in formal attire. One man stands facing a fireplace adorned with a painting, while the other appears to be peering from a doorway. A woman lies on the floor in the foreground.
A dramatic scene from a classic black-and-white film, featuring a man in a suit leaning towards a woman on the floor who appears distressed, wearing a white blouse and a pearl necklace.
A tense scene featuring a woman in distress, holding her hands tightly, while a man with a stern expression confronts her, and another man watches with concern.
A distressed woman with curly hair, wearing a pearl necklace, is shown crying, displaying a deep emotional expression.
A close-up of a man in a suit with an intense expression, looking upward with a concerned or angry demeanor.
A man lying on the floor in a living room, partially obscured by a couch, with a decorative rug and a fireplace in the background.
A man in a suit stands with his hands on his head, showing distress, while a woman in a fitted blouse and skirt looks concerned, both appearing to be in a tense conversation in a well-decorated room.
A woman with dark, wavy hair is standing in a living room, wearing a short-sleeved top and a pencil skirt. She is looking to the side with a thoughtful expression, with elegant curtains and a lamp visible in the background.
A man in a suit leans over a sink, reflected in a round mirror, with decorative wallpaper and a lamp visible in the background.
A woman with curly hair wearing a pearl necklace stands beside a man in a suit, who appears distressed. The background features a draped curtain and shelves filled with books.
A tense black and white scene featuring a man focusing intently on a man's head while a woman watches with concern in a stylishly furnished room.
A black-and-white scene featuring a woman with dark, wavy hair wearing a pearl necklace, looking intently at a man dressed in a suit. The background includes a lamp and bookshelves.
A man and a woman sitting in a car at night, with the woman driving and the man looking thoughtful.
A man with his hand covering his face sits in a car next to a woman who gazes out the window, both in dim lighting.
Close-up of a man in black and white, showing a serious expression with dramatic lighting highlighting his facial features.
A woman with dark, curly hair sits in a car, covering her face with her hands in distress, while a man with a lighter hairstyle looks at her with concern.
A close-up of two characters in a car, one man looking intently at a woman, with dramatic lighting creating a somber atmosphere.
A woman rests her head on the shoulder of a man in a dark setting, conveying a sense of intimacy and contemplation.
A dark street scene at night with silhouetted figures walking and parked cars along the side.
A man and a woman sitting in a car, both looking tense and concerned, with shadows highlighting their faces in a noir-style setting.
A close-up of a man looking intently into a side mirror of a car, with a thoughtful expression and his hand touching his face, in a dramatic black and white style.
A black and white scene featuring a man and a woman in a serious conversation outdoors, surrounded by trees. The man is holding something in his hands while looking intently at the woman, who gazes back with a concerned expression.
A close-up of a man with slicked-back hair wearing a gray coat and tie, looking contemplative as he engages in conversation.
A black-and-white close-up of a woman with dark, wavy hair and pearls, looking intently at a man off-screen, who is partially visible. The background appears blurred.
Close-up of a man with short, wavy hair, gazing thoughtfully in black and white.
A close-up of a woman with curly hair and a serious expression, captured in black and white.
Signage for Honest Hal's Used Cars with a focus on 'Cash for Used Cars' in front of a vintage used car lot filled with parked cars.
Two men in 1940s attire stand next to classic cars in a parking lot. One man gestures while speaking, and the other listens, both engaged in conversation.
A vintage pickup truck driving on a barren road with desert scenery in the background.
A close-up of a man with slicked-back hair and a weary expression, appearing deep in thought or troubled, captured in black and white.
A view from inside a vehicle, showing a person driving on an empty road surrounded by a desert landscape with distant tree silhouettes.
A vintage truck driving through a dusty desert landscape, framed by spiky desert plants under a cloudy sky.
A man and a woman embrace emotionally in a dramatic scene, with a landscape of palm trees and a vintage vehicle in the background.
A vintage black and white scene featuring two classic cars, one a pickup truck and the other a convertible, near a street corner with old buildings and trees in the background.
A group of six people in a dimly lit room, four men and two women, engaged in a serious discussion. One man is holding a clipboard while another appears to be speaking to the group. The setting includes a decorative chair in the foreground.
A weathered road sign indicating directions to Postville, Nogales (31 miles) and Tucson (34 miles), with a neon-lit motel sign in the background.
A vintage pickup truck parked in front of a dimly lit pharmacy with a neon sign reading 'DRUGS' and a window displaying various products.
A man in a suit leans against an old car with headlights on, while another man in a cowboy hat stands in the background. The background features a shopfront with neon signs reading 'DRUGS' and 'PRESCRIPTIONS'.
Black and white image of a man in a suit and hat leaning against a storefront labeled 'DRUGS', with various items displayed in the window.
Black and white image of two men, dressed in cowboy attire, talking outside a store, while a third man in a suit leans against the wall, looking out. The store window displays a 'Camera Supplies' sign and various products inside.
Two men in western attire, one with a mustache and a cigar, stand in front of a shop window that reads 'Men's Wearing'. The scene is in black and white, creating a vintage atmosphere.

Frame Group #3 (*****Spoilers*****)

A vintage banner advertising 'Whiskers Week' during 'Frontier Days' in Postville, featuring a cartoon cowboy illustration.
A tense scene featuring several men in hats confronting a man in a light-colored suit, while a woman in a car looks on with concern. They are surrounded by buildings and a night sky.
A tense scene in a western saloon with a group of cowboys and townspeople surrounding a man and a woman, engaging in a serious discussion.
A group of characters, including a woman in a cardigan and several men in hats and plaid shirts, gathered around a piece of paper, looking concerned and engaged.
A group of people gathered around a wooden table, examining a black and white photograph of a woman. One person, wearing a denim jacket, is holding the photo, while others lean in closer. A glass and pencil are visible on the table.
A close-up of a decorative glass dome enclosing a miniature bride and groom figurine, set against a patterned wallpaper backdrop.
A man in a suit stands in a dimly lit room, looking pensively with one hand on his head, surrounded by vintage furniture and patterned wallpaper.
A man in a suit gazes thoughtfully at a decorative glass dome containing miniature wedding figurines, set against a backdrop of patterned wallpaper.
A man with tousled hair looks distressed while sitting on a bed, holding his head, as a woman leans in closely, showing concern.
A black and white scene depicting a man and woman in close proximity, engaged in an intense conversation. The man is wearing a suit, while the woman is in a light sweater. They are positioned near a vintage radio against a patterned wall.
A woman with short dark hair looks anxiously over her shoulder while standing next to an old-fashioned radio in a dimly lit room.
A woman with dark, curly hair stands in a dimly lit room, wearing a cardigan and a pearl necklace, looking thoughtfully towards the right. The room features patterned wallpaper and a window with curtains.
A black-and-white image of a man in a suit with tousled hair, looking thoughtful or troubled, standing in a doorway.
A woman stands in a dimly lit room, looking at a man seated on a bed. The man appears to be attentive but slightly troubled, while the woman holds her hands together in front of her.
A tense scene featuring two men in Western attire, one standing and one seated, with a policeman observing in the background. The seated man smiles as he holds a piece of paper, while the standing man appears concerned. The setting includes vintage decor.
A vintage car parked at night with a man and a woman seated inside, both looking forward, surrounded by shadows and dim lighting.
Close-up of a woman with dark, wavy hair and a pearl necklace, looking concerned or surprised in a black-and-white scene.
A close-up portrait of a man in black and white, looking slightly off-camera with a somber expression, dressed in a suit and tie.
A man wearing a fedora inspects an item under a hanging light while surrounded by various objects in a dimly lit room.
A man in a hat lighting a cigar looks intently, while another man in a suit observes with intrigue, and a woman stands behind them showing concern, in a dimly lit room filled with various items.
A man and woman are holding hands in a dimly lit street scene, with neon signs in the background, suggesting a tense or intimate conversation.
A black and white image of a busy street at night, featuring vintage cars, illuminated storefronts, and pedestrians walking along the sidewalk.
A man in a leather jacket and cowboy hat stands by a vintage car, leaning against its door with a backdrop of a neon hotel sign in a dimly lit street.
A scene featuring three characters in a black and white setting, with a man wearing a hat and holding a cigar, a woman in a light-colored skirt and dark top, and another man in a suit, engaged in conversation against a brick wall with neon signage.
Two people stand in front of a dimly lit entrance with the sign 'OPEN ALL NITE.' Nearby are posters advertising a show and a ticket booth in the background.
A performer in a plaid costume energetically entertains on stage while a pianist plays, and audience members applaud in the foreground.
A man and woman sitting side by side in a dimly lit setting, with curtains in the background. The man appears deep in thought, while the woman looks contemplative.
A group of three people entering a dimly lit corridor, facing a door with a sign that reads 'NATIONAL LIES GUADALUPE' and 'PRIVATE.' The scene is in black and white, emphasizing the shadows and mysterious atmosphere.
A tense scene in a vintage black and white setting, featuring a woman and a man looking concerned while facing a man with his back turned to them. The background includes various papers and photographs on a wall.
A tense scene in a vintage bar where three characters are engaged in a serious discussion, with one man examining a cash register while a woman and another man look on with concern.
A woman with curly hair stands inside a vintage phone booth, holding a receiver and looking thoughtfully. She is wearing a cardigan and a pearl necklace. The setting appears dark and nostalgic, with intricate wallpaper visible in the background.
A man seated on a couch, looking down, while a woman stands in a dimly lit room, wearing a light dress and looking at him.
A dramatic black and white scene featuring a woman with curly hair and a pearl necklace speaking intently to a man with disheveled hair, who appears contemplative and distant.
Two people looking through a window at a neon sign for 'Cafe Rosa Blanca' at night.
A woman in a vintage setting, sitting on a bed and examining an object with a focused expression.
A dimly lit staircase with a person partially visible from above, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
A man in a suit walks down a dimly lit staircase, casting a large shadow on the wall behind him.
Nighttime scene featuring trucks parked in a dimly lit area near a motel with neon signage.
A black and white scene depicting two men in military-style uniforms at a border crossing, one leaning against a column and the other standing alert. A truck with a sign reading 'Milo De Long's International' is parked nearby, and a sign indicating 'Mexico' is visible in the background.
A soldier in a leather jacket and cap interacts with a woman sitting on a stacked cargo in a dimly lit setting.
A woman with dark, curly hair, wearing a light cardigan and a pearl necklace, looking thoughtfully or concerned in a dimly lit setting.
A man standing under a street lamp at night, leaning against a column while casting a shadow on a brick wall, with storefronts faintly illuminated in the background.
A man in a suit leans against a wooden pole in a dimly lit, urban setting. The scene is in black and white, highlighting his contemplative expression.
A close-up of a man with slicked-back hair, captured in black and white, showing a serious expression against a background with blurred lights.
Close-up portrait of a woman with curly hair, wearing a light-colored blouse and a pearl necklace, reflecting a pensive expression.
A woman standing on a platform, looking thoughtfully into the distance, framed in shadows, with a dark and moody atmosphere.
A man in a suit leans against a vintage car at night, with illuminated shop signs in the background, including 'Bakery' and 'Leather Goods.'
A woman with curly hair and pearls, looking up with an expression of concern or intensity, against a dark background.
Two officers in uniforms stand next to a 'U.S. Immigration and Customs Inspection STOP' sign, with a parked vehicle in the foreground.
A woman is lying on the ground near a chain-link fence, appearing distressed or in pain, with a sign that reads 'ABANDON STOP CUSTOM HOUSE' in the background.
An outdoor scene at night showing a border crossing into Mexico. A truck with 'Milo De Long's International Follies' signage is parked nearby, while several figures, including policemen and performers, are gathered near a stone archway marked 'MEXICO.' The area is illuminated by neon signs.
A group of people in hats gathered outside a door labeled 'Cocktails', with a focus on their backs and side profiles.
A dramatic black-and-white scene depicting a man reaching for a gate in a tense moment, surrounded by shadowy figures, suggesting a confrontation or secretive exchange.
A close-up of a man with tousled hair, looking pensively through a chain-link fence, captured in black and white.
A black and white close-up of a woman with dark, wavy hair, looking over her shoulder with a thoughtful expression, framed by a chain-link fence.
The phrase 'The End' displayed in elegant white cursive font against a dark background.
RKO Radio Pictures logo displayed on a textured black background.
Image of a cast list for a film, featuring character names and corresponding actors' names on a black background.

Scene Breakdowns

Once the on-the-lamb couple reaches Nogales, the story increasingly unfolds in extended long takes. Here’s a 67-second oner as Domergue pawns her diamond bracelet.

An empty pawn shop interior with dim lighting.

A 50-second long take inside a vaudeville theater as the couple heads back to the theater manager’s office to discuss a ride across the border.

A performer entertains on stage at a hotel while an audience watches.

The film’s pièce de résistance – a seven-minute oner inside a hotel room where Mitchum and Domergue wait for their ride across the border.

A scene showing a character, Domergue, looking in a mirror.
A sequence of black and white stills depicting a woman turning around to smother a man named Mitchum, with various camera movements including pans to the window and door.

Posters

Vintage movie poster for 'Where Danger Lives' featuring a dramatic scene with a man in a suit holding a woman in a red dress, while she tilts her head, creating a suspenseful atmosphere. The poster includes names of the cast members, prominently displaying Robert Mitchum's name.
Vintage movie poster for 'Una Rosa bianca per Giulia' featuring a man and a woman in a dramatic pose, with the woman in a red dress and the man in a blue suit. The background is light and the title and credits are prominently displayed.
Vintage movie poster for 'Una rosa bianca per Giulia' featuring a dramatic scene with a man in a suit embracing a woman, set against a bright yellow background. The poster includes the names of the main actors and production details.
Vintage movie poster for 'Where Danger Lives' featuring a dramatic embrace between a man in a suit and a woman in a red dress, with the text 'MITCHUM IN ACTION!' prominently displayed.
A vintage movie poster for 'Where Danger Lives,' featuring a romantic scene with a man in a suit holding a woman in a red dress. Another man stands in the background, holding a gun. The poster highlights the names of the main actors and the film's tagline.
Vintage movie poster for 'Where Danger Lives' featuring Robert Mitchum and Faith Domergue, depicting a romantic scene with a potential threat in the background.
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