1944
Directed by Howard Hawks
Don't get me wrong, I love a good Bogie movie. However, when we continually watch unique, innovative movies and then see the same Bogie picture over and over again (The Big Sleep, Casablanca, Maltese Falcon, etc.) it gets a bit old.
What is truly amazing about this film is the chemistry that Bogie and Bacall have. You know immediately that it goes beyond what they do in front of the cameras. I actually like this movie more than Casablanca; although it is basically the same plot, the dialogue definitely heats up with this one (you do know how to whistle, Steve?).
A forgettable film but it works well in the genre and can satisfy a certain kind of mood.
RATING: ***--
Interesting Facts:
Bacall and Bogie fell in love during this film. It was afterward said that Bogie fell in love with her character, one that she had to keep playing for the rest of her life. It is also said that Hawks was jealous that fell for Bogie and not him.
Bacall was only 19.
Bacall put a whistle in Bogart's coffin when he died.
That last trivia line made me want to cry
ReplyDeleteI liked this one more than it probably deserve. I guess it is that chemistry you mention. Their relationship is do sexually loaded that the rest of the movie does not matter.
ReplyDeleteExactly. If the cast had been different it probably wouldn't leave much of an impression.
ReplyDelete