High Sierra

Starring: Ida Lupino, Humphrey Bogart, Alan Curtis, Arthur Kennedy, Joan Leslie, Henry Hull, Henry Travers
Directed by: Raoul Walsh
Rating: Not Rated
Genre: Drama, Crime, Thriller
1941

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A gangster (Humphrey Bogart) is released from prison and immediately goes to work on a new robbery.

Review:

Tim: You might be tempted to think this is your typical gangster movie. I warn against this, however, because you would be sadly mistaken. There is actually quite a bit more to this film than meets theeye. For instance, for the time when this movie was released, it was pretty novel to have a "bad guy" gangster as the protagonist of the film. Secondly, pay attention to who Humphrey Bogart's character seems to feel closer to- you will be surprised. Ask yourself why, and you will start getting into some of the meatier aspects of the movie.

Bogart is great in the role. He is believable as both a likeable guy and a gangster to be feared. The character itself is somehwat of a contradiction, and it is interesting to watch him on screen. He is definitely a complex character.

The supporting cast is not all that great. I found Ida Lupino more annoying than anything else. The rest are all pretty forgettable, except for Henry Travers, who is very good.

The movie is an interesting look at a gangster, the choices he makes, and where those choices lead him. Pay attention to the dog and the supposed hex he has on him. Bogart's character's reaction to this is really fascinating to watch. The film reaches its tense conclusion high atop the Sierra mountains. This is quite memorable and ends the film in powerful fashion. High Sierra is an excellent piece of filmmaking.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Caine Mutiny, The Maltese Falcon, Key Largo, Casablanca