Bogart And Bacall Collection [DVD]

An also-ran to Bogart’s Warner set in the same series, 24 Dec 2010

By 

Mr. James C. Kellam (Scotland) –

  

The quality and content are not as high as in the companion set which included “Casablanca” and “High Sierra”. The films are as follows:

THE BIG SLEEP (1946) This film, based on a novel by Raymond Chandler, has a plot that is so complicated that even Chandler could not explain it! Who cares though, when it’s full of brilliant scenes and dialogue between Bogart and Bacall. I think you will enjoy this film, even if, by the end, you’re still not certain who “did it”!

I must make the point that this is the same issue of the film that came out in 2000 and – to me – does not seem to be newly restored. A black mark for Warner: the copy that has been used has a noticeable flicker at times and I do not feel that this is acceptable in such a prestigious film.

TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT (1944) This film contains one of the most memorable scenes between Bogart and Bacall (“If you want me, just whistle”), but I have always found the plot of Bogart getting involved with the French Resistance a bit of a bore. Other people may well love it and it is popular with the critics, but I am not keen on it.

DARK PASSAGE (1947) This film has a gimmick and nothing else. The first half of the story is seen through Bogart’s eyes – a technique called “subjective camera”: you don’t actually see Bogart until the second half. Apart from this curiosity, the film is a total and utter drag and a waste of the best part of two hours.

KEY LARGO (1948) This is one of my favourite Bogart films. The interplay between the characters is excellent and it is all set in a hotel until the final showdown out at sea. The greatest joys of this film are the performances by Edward G. Robinson as the gangster hiding out with his drunken floozy, who is brilliantly played by Clare Trevor. I’ve watched this film many times and haven’t tired of it yet. This one I do highly recommend.

This set is worth buying for “The Big Sleep” and “Key Largo” and (if you want it) “To Have And Have Not”, but I would feel happier about recommending it if Warner had presented us with a better copy of “The Big Sleep”.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

|

 Comment