A Life In The Balance (1955)

A serial killer (Lee Marvin) plagues the streets of Mexico City. A young boy (Jose Perez) witnesses the murderer's latest killing and when his father (Ricardo Montalban) is accused of the murder, he follows the serial killer to clear his father's name. Based on the short story SEPT PETITES CROIX DANS UN CARNET by Georges Simenon and directed by Harry Horner (BEWARE MY LOVELY). The potential of a gripping thriller is diffused by a poor screenplay, an unconvincing performance by Lee Marvin and an annoying child actor (Perez). This is one movie that could be vastly improved by a remake. Filmed in Mexico City, with the exception of Lee Marvin and Anne Bancroft (as Montalban's romantic interest), the cast is completely comprised of Latino actors. With Rodolfo Acosta and Eva Calvo.