What's your favorite Bogie film?

[chaska]

I bought a DVD at the 99cent store (guess how much I paid?) called 'Beat The Devil'. I didn't expect much for 99 cents, but it's a great movie. And, my god, what a cast! There's Bogart of course, Peter Lorre, Jennifer Jones, Gina Lollobrigida, and it's directed by John Huston. Can't beat it (the devil) with a stick! The supporting players are just simply outstanding, the bad guys are just excellent. The English guy's name I can't remember but he gives one of the better performences in the film. Gina L. has the most perfect bone structure, nose, lips, cheek bones, chin I've ever seen. The film is worth seeing for her extraordinary face alone.

Bogie is actually the weakest part of the film. By this time (1953) he's looking a little old, short (it's really obvious here) and weak (he looks almost ill in some scenes), and the tobacco is really affecting his voice. And his acting isn't up to standard either. But as the film goes on he gets better.

But what I love about this movie is the writing. It's like a film from the 40s in that way, the dialog is so clever, witty. It seems a bit rushed at times, but I guess that's an '06 prejudice. I do love that rapid fire dialog though. Everybody seemed much smarter then.

Huston will go unrated here. I just didn't observe his talents, entertained as I was. I did note the sort of Hemingway-esque ending which is a trademark of Huston's. I do enjoy his films.

I guess I've probably seen all of Bogie's films now. I wasn't even aware this one existed. I was very pleasantly surprised to find it's a good one.

So what's your favorite?