Dark Mountain (Film noir, Crime drama, 1944)

Dark Mountain is a 1944 American film noir crime film directed by William Berke and produced by Pine-Thomas Productions for Paramount Pictures.
Dark Mountain is a 1944 American film noir crime drama, also sometimes categorized as an adventure film, and known for its "B-movie" status.
The story centers on Kay Downey (Ellen Drew), who marries Steve Downey, unaware that he is a ruthless racketeer operating in the black market.

The film begins with Don Bradley (Robert Lowery), a U.S. forest ranger and Kay's former boyfriend, getting a promotion to head of the Dark Mountain area. He asks Kay to marry him, only to be heartbroken when she reveals she has already married Steve.

Kay soon discovers her husband's criminal life after he commits a murder—a government agent investigating his operation—and tries to make it look like an accident. When Steve kills one of his own men in Kay's presence and flees, he forces Kay to come with him, telling her she is an accomplice since her name is on a contract for his warehouse.

Kay eventually escapes and seeks help and protection from Don in Dark Mountain. Don shelters her in a mountain cabin while urging her to go to the police. Steve tracks Kay down, holds her captive, and threatens to kill her if she reveals his location.

Don and his assistant, Willie, devise a plan to lure Steve out of hiding by sending a fake message over the short-wave radio, suggesting the police are closing in near the Mexican border. Steve takes the bait, forcing Kay into Don's stolen truck, which is loaded with explosives. During the ensuing chase, Kay and Willie's dog manage to jump out before the truck goes off the road and explodes, killing Steve. Kay and Don are then reunited.

The main cast includes:

Robert Lowery as Don Bradley (The Forest Ranger)

Ellen Drew as Kay Downey (The Wife)

Regis Toomey as Steve Downey (The Gangster Husband)

Eddie Quillan as Willie Dinsmire (Don's assistant)

Elisha Cook Jr. as Whitey