I was overwhelmed when I read the cast and crew for this movie. Another Bogart/Bacall-Bogart/Huston collaboration is alright, but featuring Edward G. Robinson, Lionel Barrymore and Claire Trevor also? My expectations were sky-high. And that's the main reason I was a little upset with this picture. My problem was with the story. Although the movie has a good plot, it isn't well-told, and some of things felt out of place. Richard Brooks did a much better job adapting the script of "In Cold Blood" and "Elmer Gantry". I think that's mainly because those are based on novels, and this one is based on a play.
The story is about a WWII veteran (Humphrey Bogart) that goes to the island of Key Largo in Florida to talk with the wife (Lauren Bacall) and father (Lionel Barrymore) of his old-friend from the war. That's when a gangster (Edward G. Robinson) takes control of the place and turns everyone into his hostages. At first, I didn't really get what was that gangster doing in that place, but it's latter explained that he's waiting for a hurricane and needs protection. But why that tiny island? I still don't get this, but alright. This flaw is compensated by one of the best climax I've ever seen in a movie. I'm not gonna spoil it here, but it's great.
About the acting, Bogart did much better jobs in other pictures. This is the final movie with him and Lauren Bacall together, but I prefer their first collaboration in "To Have and Have Not". Edward G. Robinson also gives a great performance, but again, he was better in other movies like "Little Ceaser". In my opinion, the members of the cast that gives the best performances are Lionel Barrymore and Oscar- winning interpretation by Claire Trevor. They are both excellent.
John Huston, as always, does a nice direction, but I prefer much better his masterpiece of the same year "The Treasure of Sierra Madre". That's where Huston proves the great director he is, and Bogart gives an outstanding performance.
Overral, this movie has a fine acting, along with John Huston's direction and an excellent climax, but the bad-told screenplay takes away the good things about it.
7 out of ten.
The story is about a WWII veteran (Humphrey Bogart) that goes to the island of Key Largo in Florida to talk with the wife (Lauren Bacall) and father (Lionel Barrymore) of his old-friend from the war. That's when a gangster (Edward G. Robinson) takes control of the place and turns everyone into his hostages. At first, I didn't really get what was that gangster doing in that place, but it's latter explained that he's waiting for a hurricane and needs protection. But why that tiny island? I still don't get this, but alright. This flaw is compensated by one of the best climax I've ever seen in a movie. I'm not gonna spoil it here, but it's great.
About the acting, Bogart did much better jobs in other pictures. This is the final movie with him and Lauren Bacall together, but I prefer their first collaboration in "To Have and Have Not". Edward G. Robinson also gives a great performance, but again, he was better in other movies like "Little Ceaser". In my opinion, the members of the cast that gives the best performances are Lionel Barrymore and Oscar- winning interpretation by Claire Trevor. They are both excellent.
John Huston, as always, does a nice direction, but I prefer much better his masterpiece of the same year "The Treasure of Sierra Madre". That's where Huston proves the great director he is, and Bogart gives an outstanding performance.
Overral, this movie has a fine acting, along with John Huston's direction and an excellent climax, but the bad-told screenplay takes away the good things about it.
7 out of ten.