Second Chance (1953)

A film of two halves, this one. Cinematographically speaking - it's got lots of gorgeous Mexican scenery, evocative and sultry dancing and a rather enjoyable firework display. The story and acting, however, leave quite a bit to be desired. Linda Darnell is holing up in Mexico, hiding from her mobster boyfriend. When she agrees to testify before an US Senate hearing she must get back to the States, evading his henchman "Cappy Gordon" (Jack Palance) en route. Luckily, she alights of former boxer "Russ Lambert" (Robert Mitchum) who ends up helping her. It is an oddly static film, neither of the male leads have anything like enough charisma to hold the screen and Darnell isn't given much to work with either. There are a few decently menacing scenes on an aerial cable car, but otherwise this is an unremarkable gangster thriller with little jeopardy and a rather sudden ending!