To Have and Have Not


Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Walter Brennen, Lauren Bacall, Dolores Moran, Hoagy Carmichael
Directed by: Howard Hawks
Rating: Not rated
1944

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Harry (Humphrey Bogart) and his friend Eddie (Walter Brennan) live a quiet life as boat operators in Martinique while World War II ravages the world all around them. Harry meets Marie (Lauren Bacall) at the same time he decides to help transport a man on the run from the Germans.

Review:

Tim: I love the story that Director Howard Hawks told writer Ernest Hemingway that he could make a good movie out of Hemingway's "worst novel." While the movie is very, very different from the original story, Hawks was right. He creates a very good film.

This film is very similar to Casablanca, which helps it become likeable, but pales in comparison to that classic. If you loved that movie (and how could you not?), then I highly recommend this one.

Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall made four movies together, but never achieved the chemistry nor the excitment that was generated on screen here. The pair fell in love during the filming, and you can see that in the movie. Bogart is excellent in his role. I've been vocal about being lukewarm in my appreciation for Bacall, but here, she's absolutely fabulous and this is without a doubt, one of my favorite Bacall performances of all time. Watch for her "You know how to whistle, don't you, Steve? You just put your lips together, and blow." line. This is one of the all-time great lines and it's dynamite when Bacall delivers it.

The story is pretty interesting, and typical of films coming out of the World War II era. The plot moves quite well and the constant sense oof danger will keep you interested. However, this film is more about its stars and their performances than anything else. Here, that's not such a bad thing.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Casablanca, Key Largo, Dark Passage