Key Largo

Frank Mccloud, an ex-soldier, stops by the Largo hotel, where he encounters a gangster set on holding the entire hotel captive. All the while, a rabid storm is brewing outside.

Humphrey Bogart is Frank McCloud, a former soldier in the World War, now looking to settle down and enjoy post-combat life. While on the way to a hotel called “Largo”, located in the Key’s, Florida; one of the few spots with similar titles in that specific area, his traveling bus is stopped by local police looking for two escaped convicts. The convicts are Mexicans, accused of murder, and just so happen to be running muck in Frank’s general area. Shortly thereafter, Frank arrives at his destination, where he plans on meeting a man, in Mr. Temple. (Lionel Barrymore) He and Temple’s son fought on the frontlines together, so Frank knows a lot about his late friend, and collaborates with Mr. Temple and Temple’s daughter about their experience together. The scene in which Bogart and Barrymore deeply reminisce about their own personal memories, is one that I found quite heart-breaking, whilst at the same time very powerful and perfectly acted. The deeply emotional, nearly teary-eyed look on Barrymore’s face really moved me. One of those on-screen moments I’ll never forget, as the interplay between the two is purely classic, not to be overlooked. I’m sure it won’t be included on any “most memorable” lists, but to me it’s good enough to be. Humphrey Bogart’s performance in this film is pretty spectacular, though definitely not as eccentric as some of his other roles. (Sierra Madre) It’s a very calm role however, as he stays relaxed for nearly the entire duration, not having to put forth a whole lot of emotion. He was a class act, one of Hollywood’s true legends. If not for him, Key Largo wouldn’t have nearly the same value as it currently does. I can’t say I’ve seen any other Barrymore films, but from what I’ve witnessed, he as well was a class act. The cast couldn’t have been hand-picked better, as each and every one of them nail their roles. Especially Edward Robinson as the ruthless gangster, Rocco.

After settling into the hotel for awhile, Frank is introduced to a few other hotel guests, including Rocco’s men, and Mr. Temple’s daughter, played wonderfully by Lauren Bacall. The three innocent bystanders are then held at gun-point by Rocco and his crew, all the while a heavy storm is brewing outdoors. The only man who possesses the courage and will power to stand up to these ruthless people, is Frank, as the rest of them just cower away in fear, with the exception of Mr. Temple, who attempts to attack the criminals, but to no avail, as he’s wheelchair bound. I’m always interested in films that are shot in just one location throughout, as it really boosts the tension and suspense for me. “Saw”, and “Identity” are a couple films in which were done that way, and really impressed me. With “Key Largo”, the tension isn’t too high, nor are the thugs really that intimidating whatsoever. But the multi-faceted situation they are all faced with: the storm, and the being held captive situation really come into affect here, and boost up the movie’s level, gelling it into one very captivating and enthralling experience.

The courage shown from Bogart’s character, and how powerful his performance is, mixed in with an extremely interesting, well thought out narrative, make for a very good viewing experience, though maybe not as memorable as others.

7.4/10