Faith Domergue (1924-1999)

biography

Brunette beauty Faith Domergue was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on June 16, 1924. In the early 1930s, her family relocated to California, where Domergue completed her education and took piano and singing lessons. When she was still in high school, Domergue was put under contract by Warner Bros., but after Howard Hughes saw the beautiful budding actress, he bought Domergue's contract. After she completed her studies and graduated from high school, she began training as an actress. In 1947, she married Hugo Fregonese, a director of Italian descent who was born in Argentina.

Faith Domergue's first major film role came in Vendetta. Production of the film actually began in 1947, although the film wasn't released until 1950 due to a series of production mishaps, hirings, and firings. The experience filming Vendetta proved so horrendous that Domergue was no longer eager to pursue an acting career. She left the U.S. with Fregonese after shooting wrapped on the picture. Following the birth of her daughter, Domergue returned to the US in 1950 and resumed her career. She once again signed with Howard Hughes and went to work on the RKO film Where Danger Lives. Neither Vendetta nor Where Danger Lives were box-office successes, and eventually Faith Domergue asked Hughes to end her contract. In 1952, Domergue signed a two-picture-per-year deal with Universal-International where, after years of promise, she was finally showcased in a number of memorable films. Her first picture at Universal was The Duel at Silver Creek (1952; with Audie Murphy).

the films of faith domergue

Vendetta (1950)

Where Danger Lives (1950)

The Duel at Silver Creek (1952)

The Great Sioux Uprising (1953)

This Is My Love (1954)

This Island Earth (1954)

Cult of the Cobra (1955)

Spin a Dark Web (1956)

later years

During filming of Cult of the Cobra, Faith Domergue's marriage to Hugo Fregonese unraveled, and the couple divorced. Whereas Domergue had once been free to put her career on hold for periods of time, as a single mother with two children to support she threw herself into acting, making seven films and starring in a TV series between 1955 and 1957. Into the 1960s, Faith Domergue's films became more sporadic, although she did appear often on popular television programs of the day; see the filmography section for more information. After her 1966 marriage to agent Paola Cossa, Domergue began to cool her acting career. Her last film was the entertaining 1974 horror flick The House of Seven Corpses. Sadly, after a bout with cancer Faith Domergue passed away on April 4, 1999, at age 74. She was survived by a son and daughter.

faith domergue films available from movies unlimited

Perry Mason: 50th Anniversary Edition [DVD] DVD
Twelve of the series's best episodes--including "The Case of the Wary Wildcatter," "The Case of the Treacherous Toupee," "The Case of the Counterfeit Crank," "The Case of the Shoplifter's Shoe," and "The Case of the Final Fade-Out"--have been collected in this four-disc set. Also included is "Perry Mason Returns" (1985), the TV movie that finds the legal eagle (Raymond Burr), now a judge, stepping down from the bench to defend former secretary Della Street (Barbara Hale) when she's accused of murder. 12 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; featurette; interviews; photo gallery; TV spots; screen tests; more.
Where Danger Lives (1950)/Tension [DVD](1950) DVD
A doctor (Robert Mitchum) saves a young woman (Faith Domergue) from a suicide attempt and quickly becomes embroiled in her tumultuous life. After a drunken brawl results in the death of her husband, Domergue and Mitchum have no choice but to head for the Mexican border, finding out "Where Danger Lives" along the way. With Claude Rains, Maureen O'Sullivan. And, a meek drugstore worker's plan to murder his cheating wife's new boyfriend goes awry when someone else beats him to it--and he winds up the prime suspect anyway, in "Tension." Richard Basehart, Audrey Totter, Cyd Charisse, Barry Sullivan, William Conrad. 171 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH), French; audio commentary; featurettes; theatrical trailers.
The Duel At Silver Creek [DVD](1952) DVD
A murderous gang of claim-jumpers have marshal Stephen McNally in their pocket, thanks to beautiful leader Faith Domergue, so it falls on deputy Audie Murphy, whose family was killed by the outlaws, to bring them to justice in this frontier drama directed by Don Siegel. 77 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: French, Spanish; theatrical trailer.
The Fantastic Films Of Ray Harryhausen: Legendary Science Fiction Series [DVD] DVD
Five-disc set includes "It Came from Beneath the Sea," "Earth vs. the Flying Saucers," "20 Million Miles to Earth," "Mysterious Island" (1961), and "First Men in the Moon."
It Came From Beneath The Sea (B&W/Color Versions) [DVD](1954) DVD
Atomic testing in the Pacific awakens an undersea behemoth (really an octopus with six tentacles) that threatens San Francisco in this sci-fi classic. Kenneth Tobey, Faith Domergue star; stop-motion animation by Ray Harryhausen. Includes both the original black-and-white and the newly colorized versions. 79 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital stereo, Portuguese Dolby Digital stereo, Spanish Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English, Portuguese, Spanish, French; audio commentary; featurettes; photo gallery; art gallery; more. Two-disc set.
Ray Harryhausen Collection (B&W/Color Versions) [Blu-ray]
Four-disc set includes both the original black-and-white and the newly colorized versions of "It Came from Beneath the Sea," "Earth vs. the Flying Saucers," and "20 Million Miles to Earth," and "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad."
Ray Harryhausen Collectible DVD Gift Set [DVD] DVD
Six-disc set includes both the original black-and-white and the newly colorized versions of "It Came from Beneath the Sea," "Earth vs. the Flying Saucers," and "20 Million Miles to Earth," as well as an exclusive Ymir figurine.
This Island Earth [DVD](1955) DVD
Classic science-fiction drama of two Earth scientists who are abducted by white-haired, big-foreheaded aliens and taken to their war-ravaged homeworld of Metaluna in hopes of saving it. Jeff Morrow, Faith Domergue, Rex Reason, Russell Johnson, and the bug-eyed Metalunan Mutants star. 86 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH); theatrical trailer.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie [DVD](1996) DVD
Blast off on the Satellite of Love with Mike Nelson, Tom Servo and Crow in the big-screen version of the hilarious TV series, as they wisecrack their way through Dr. Forrester's latest bad movie experiment, the 1955 sci-fi epic "This Island Earth." There's high-domed aliens, giant mutant insects, the Professor from "Gilligan's Island," and more pop references than you can shake a stick at. 75 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English (SDH).
The Atomic Man [DVD](1955) DVD
When a clinically dead scientist is revived, it is learned that his brain is working seven-and-a-half seconds into the future. Before he can get a job as a radio call-in host, crooks kidnap him to help with a robbery. Sci-fi crime caper stars Gene Nelson. AKA: ``Timeslip.'' 76 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono; theatrical trailers; scene access.
The Classic Sci-Fi Ultimate Collection, Vols. 1 & 2 [DVD] DVD
"Dr. Cyclops" (1940) stars Albert Dekker as a mad scientist who shrinks five people to miniature size and holds them prisoner. A group of American G.I.s stumbles on the secret rituals of the snake-worshipping "Cult of the Cobra" (1955). Faith Domergue, David Janssen star. A lab experiment unleashes a rapidly growing "Tarantula" (1955). John Agar, Leo G. Carroll star. Archeologists Agar and Hugh Beaumont discover a clawed, bug-eyed race called "The Mole People" (1956). Grant Williams is "The Incredible Shrinking Man" (1957) who begins to diminish in size after exposure to radiation. Meteorite fragments absorb water from everything around them (including people), creating "The Monolith Monsters" (1957). An expedition to Antarctica finds a prehistoric world, in "The Land Unknown" (1957). Earthquakes release a giant prehistoric insect from suspended animation, in "The Deadly Mantis" (1957). A college biology instructor is transformed into a Neanderthal man, in "Monster on the Campus" (1958). A native African ritual turn s a scientist's wife into "The Leech Woman" (1960). 13 hrs. total on six discs. Standard/Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English (SDH), French; theatrical trailers.
Spin A Dark Web [DVD](1956) DVD
British crime thriller follows a Canadian boxer (Lee Patterson) come to London to look into a colleague's suspicious death, with the trail leading to a Soho mob fixer (Martin Benson). However, the hood also has an extremely seductive sister (Faith Domergue), who all too quickly ropes the pug into the gang's dangerous schemes. AKA: "Soho Incident". 76 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtr ack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Escort West [DVD](1958) DVD
Travelling west after the Civil War, ex-Confederate officer Victor Mature and his daughter meet up with two sisters who survived an Indian attack and journey with them to a cavalry outpost where one woman's fiance is stationed. When the camp comes under siege, Mature must deal with his attraction to the engaged woman as he prepares for the fight of his life. Elaine Stewart, Faith Domergue also star. 76 min. Standard and Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish.
California (Widescreen Version) [DVD](1963) DVD
Exciting sagebrusher set against the backdrop of California's struggle for independence from Mexico and their quest for statehood. Don Francisco Hernandez leads the Mexican army in keeping a hold on the residents, but his half-brother serves as the revolutionaries' leader. With Jock Mahoney, Faith Domergue, and Michael Pate. 76 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English.
The Great American Western, Vol. 34 [DVD] DVD
"Sheriff of Sage Valley" (1942) features Buster Crabbe in a dual role as famous outlaw Billy the Kid, who is mistakenly appointed mayor of a Western town, and his oily twin brother, gambler Kansas Ed. Al St. John, Tex "Dave" O'Brien also star. Then, when a gang of ornery outlaws frames Billy (Crabbe) for murder and the kidnapping of a young girl, he sets to find her so he can clear his name, in "Western Cyclone" (1943). "Shoot Out at Big Sag" (1962) stars Walter Brennan as a would-be "clergyman" trying to keep settlers from Texas off of land in Montana. Chris Robinson, Luana Patten, Leif Erickson co-star. "California" (1963) is set against the backdrop of the would-be state's struggle for independence from Mexico. With Jock Mahoney, Faith Domergue and Michael Pate. 4 hrs. total.
Voyage To The Prehistoric Planet [DVD](1965) DVD
Astronauts on Venus encounter many dangers while waiting to be rescued. Basil Rathbone makes one of his final appearances in this Roger Corman creation, resourcefully produced using footage from the Russian sci-fi movie "Planeta Burg." 80 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono; scene access. Plays All Regions.
Perversion Story (Una Sull'altra) [DVD](1969) DVD
Slinking onto your screen, this thriller from the sinister imagination of Lucio Fulci ("Zombie") concerns a physician (Jean Sorel) who juggles unhealthy relationships with both a mistress and a stripper who resembles his suspiciously deceased wife.Will the salacious doctor's overconfidence prove to be his undoing? Packed with cruelty and depravity, the film also stars Marisa Mell, Elsa Martinelli. AKA: "The Conspiracy of Torture." 103 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: Italian and English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English; bonus CD soundtrack. In English and Italian with English subtitles.
The Gamblers [DVD](1970) DVD
In this comic caper, a group of pro card sharks tries to swindle an aristocrat of his savings while on a cruise ship, but aren't prepared for what they get instead. Suzy Kendall, Don Gordon, Stuart Margolin, and Faith Domergue head the cast of this international production. 93 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Legacy Of Blood [DVD](1971) DVD
The children of a deceased millionaire are summoned to his estate, where they must stay the night in order in gain their inheritance. It soon becomes obvious that someone wants more than their fair share, as the heirs are murdered one by one. John Carradine, Faith Domergue, John Russell star. AKA: "Blood Legacy." 90 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
The House Of Seven Corpses [DVD](1974) DVD
In this creepy terror tale, a movie crew arrives at a supposedly haunted mansion to shoot a horror film, and the reading of passages from the Tibetan Book of the Dead unleashes vengeance-seeking spirits. Can the filmmakers possibly survive the real-life terror they have unleashed? John Ireland, Faith Domergue, John Carradine star. 89 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo.

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filmography

FILM
The House of Seven Corpses (1974) with John Ireland and John Carradine
So Evil, My Sister (1974) with Susan Strasberg, John Howard, and Sydney Chaplin
Blood Legacy (1971) with Merry Anders, John Carradine, Jeff Morrow, John Russell, John Smith, and Richard Davalos
The Man with Icy Eyes (1971) with Victor Buono, Barbara Bouchet, and Keenan Wynn
Besieged (1969) with Joan Collins
The Gamblers (1969) with Stuart Margolin and Suzy Kendall
Perversion Story (1969) with Jean Sorel, Marisa Mell, and Elsa Martinelli
Track of Thunder (1968) with Tommy Kirk and Brenda Benet
Voyage to the Prehistoric Planet (1965) with Basil Rathbone
California (1963) with Jock Mahoney and Susan Seaforth Hayes
Escort West (1958) with Victor Mature and Elaine Stewart
Il Cielo brucia (1957)
Violent Stranger (1957) with Zachary Scott
Spin A Dark Web (1956) with Lee Patterson and Bernard Fox
The Atomic Man (1955) with Gene Nelson
It Came from Beneath the Sea (1955) with Kenneth Tobey
Santa Fe Passage (1955) with John Payne and Rod Cameron
Cult of the Cobra (1955) with Richard Long, Marshall Thompson, and Kathleen Hughes
This Island Earth (1954) with Rex Reason, Russell Johnson, Lance Fuller, and Jeff Morrow
This Is My Love (1954) with Linda Darnell and William Hopper
The Great Sioux Uprising (1953) with Jeff Chandler and Glenn Strange
The Duel at Silver Creek (1952) with Audie Murphy and Susan Cabot
Vendetta (1950) with George Dolenz, Hillary Brooke, and Hugo Haas
Where Danger Lives (1950) with Robert Mitchum
Young Widow (1946) with Jane Russell

TELEVISION SERIES
The Count of Monte Cristo, 1956 syndicated TV series, 39 episodes

TELEVISION GUEST APPEARANCES
Garrison's Gorillas, episode The Plot to Kill, originally aired February 20, 1968
Combat!, episode Cry For Help, originally aired December 20, 1966
Bonanza, episode The Companeros, originally aired April 19, 1964
Perry Mason, episode The Case of the Greek Goddess, originally aired April 18, 1963
Have Gun Will Travel, episode The Black Bull, originally aired April 13, 1963
Have Gun Will Travel, episode Beau Beste, originally aired October 13, 1962
Bonanza, episode The Lonely House, originally aired October 15, 1961
Perry Mason, episode The Case of the Guilty Clients, originally aired June 10, 1961
The Rifleman, episode Death Trap, originally aired May 9, 1961
Tales of Wells Fargo, episode The Jealous Man, originally aired April 10, 1961
The Tall Man, episode Rovin' Gambler, originally aired March 18, 1961
Bronco, episode La Rubia, originally aired May 17, 1960
Colt .45, episode Breakthrough, originally aired March 27, 1960
Cheyenne, episode The Rebellion, originally aired October 12, 1959
Sugarfoot, episode The Vultures, originally aired April 28, 1959
State Trooper, episode Pistols for Two, originally aired 1959
State Trooper, episode So Early in the Morning, originally aired 1959
The Rifleman, episode The Marshal, originally aired October 21, 1958

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Watch Faith Domergue's 1955 sci-fi flick The Atomic Man