Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall would attract any film lover to this movie. Add Agnes Moorehead and a host of excellent character actors and this is an enthralling film noir. Granted, some of the plot is a bit far fetched. The idea that one could have facial plastic surgery and be fully recovered in twelve days is out there. But that's a minor point. There is daring cinematography considering that for the first half of the film, we never see Bogart's face. We see the world through his eyes and hear his voice but never see him. It's brilliant. And his image of Lauren Bacall had to be the way he really did see her. She is incredibly beautiful and remarkably moving in her role as the rescuer of Bogart's character.
I always enjoy Agnes Moorehead in any film, but I sometimes wish she had been given roles of kinder and better characters. However, as the "bad guy" in this movie, she is absolutely outstanding. She poured her heart and soul into her character. She is evil but also vulnerable. That's not an easy combination.
San Francisco is the perfect setting for this creepy tale with its hills, spectacular views, the waterfront and views of the Golden Gate Bridge (especially the scenes under the bridge). These are not tourist views. The film is black and white and the scenes are often seedy, gritty, dark, unforgiving. And they combine to absolutely make this film work. This is an extremely good movie. It's an excellent murder mystery and it is remarkably creative. It has to rank as one of the very best films noir ever made. And the ending would bring a smile to any fan of the great Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
I always enjoy Agnes Moorehead in any film, but I sometimes wish she had been given roles of kinder and better characters. However, as the "bad guy" in this movie, she is absolutely outstanding. She poured her heart and soul into her character. She is evil but also vulnerable. That's not an easy combination.
San Francisco is the perfect setting for this creepy tale with its hills, spectacular views, the waterfront and views of the Golden Gate Bridge (especially the scenes under the bridge). These are not tourist views. The film is black and white and the scenes are often seedy, gritty, dark, unforgiving. And they combine to absolutely make this film work. This is an extremely good movie. It's an excellent murder mystery and it is remarkably creative. It has to rank as one of the very best films noir ever made. And the ending would bring a smile to any fan of the great Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.