Guns of Darkness (1962)

Plot:  In a mythical Central American country, a British expat and wife, make a run for the border with the recently deposed ex-President.
Stars:  David Niven, Leslie Caron,

Despite the all-star cast, Guns of Darkness got middling reviews and box office when released and its no more popular today (Total IMDB reviews - 6).  But I found it interesting and often engaging - although very frustrating. It should be better than it is.

First, the movie doesn't know what it is. Is it a suspenseful chase movie? Or a serious melodrama about political revolution and a failing marriage?  It tries to be both, and ends up being neither. To me, the first 30 minutes of the movie are the best, as Niven and Caron bicker and we see the Revolutionaries take power. It then turns into a standard chase movie, as Niven/Caron drive to the border and outwit the pursing revolutionary police. "The Chase" - has its moments, but its no more than average and often unrealistic.

Lack of Realism
Is it really that hard, for a Revolutionary Government stop an Englishman and his French Wife - in a Station-Wagon - from leaving the country? How many paved roads are there? And silliest of all, Niven decides to DRIVE across a Tropical river and almost dies in quick-sand.  Wouldn't anyone WADE across first to make sure it was drive-able?

The Awful David Niven Character  
For the first 30 minutes, in an interesting twist,  Niven plays a completely unsympathetic character.  He's one of those snarky, weak-willed, "I'm too good for business but..." types. Full of snide remarks and school boy jokes.  Its not clear whether the film-makers expect us to sympathize with Niven or made him so obnoxious that we would be surprised when he decides to help the wounded Ex-President Rivera escape the country. Ultimately, we and Caron come to  respect him.

Why are We Supposed to Root for Rivera to Get Away?
First, Niven's sentimental desire to help Rivera, causes the death of several innocent people - including a young boy. And what does Niven really know about Rivera? Nothing. Niven doesn't even speak Spanish! Its quite possible that Rivera committed crimes that deserve punishment. Or if Rivera escapes, he might cause a civil war in order to regain power. In any case, Niven is a guest in the country and its not really his business.  At the very least, his ignorant interference causes his Boss to lose the Plantation. The movie sides with Niven, but its obvious his emotional decision to help Rivera was a bad one.