Key Largo is a remote island off the coast of Florida. It's connected to the mainland by a concrete causeway. Frank McCloud (Humphrey Bogart) goes there to visit the father of a dead army buddy. He meets him (Lionel Barrymore) and his buddies widow (Lauren Bacall). He also discovers criminal Johnny Rocco (Edward G. Robinson) is holed up there with his gang and alcoholic girlfriend (Claire Trevor). A hurricane hits and they're all stranded on the island together...and Johnny and his gang have guns and nasty tempers...

Bogart and Bacall's last movie together and a good one too. This was based on a play and it sometimes shows. Characters tend to give long speeches explaining who they are and their motivations. Still it's well-written and acted and beautifully directed by John Huston. When the hurricane hits the special effects are actually pretty good with cool sound effects too.

The acting is (with one exception) good. Bogart seemed incapable of giving a bad performance and he's just great here. Robinson doesn't show up until nearly 30 minutes in--but you always know he's there. He's OK but I think he played the gangster role once too often. Barrymore is given little to do but he is good. Trevor is superb in her small role--she understandably won a Best Supporting Actress award for this. Surprisingly Bacall is terrible! She's stone faced throughout and gives a bad performance. Maybe she didn't click with the director (Huston was not known for his tact and tended to be a screamer).

Still it's a good solid drama--worth catching. I give it an 8.

This is a terrific film and it's among the best performances by Humphrey Bogart. I think the only reason the film is more widely recognized as a classic is because Bogart had so many terrific performances.

The film begins with Bogey arriving at Key Largo (a large island off the SE coast of Florida). He's there to see the widow and father of an army buddy. Before long, however, storm warnings occur--a bad one is headed their way. And, near the same time, a group of gangsters arrive. It seems that the boss (Edward G. Robinson) was deported some time back but is sneaking back into the country. Well, due to the storm and Robinson being recognized, the gang decide to stay--during which time they menace and torment everyone simply because they can. In many ways, the film is similar to Bogart's later film, THE DESPERATE HOURS, though in this case Bogart isn't the gang leader but an innocent man pulled into this situation.

What is best about this film is Bogart's character. For a long time, you really aren't sure who he is or what he really stands for--is he a hero or just a jerk trying to save his skin? Sure, Robinson is great to watch, too, but his role is much more typical of Robinson's earlier gangster roles. Exceptional writing, a great sense of suspense and great acting--this film has it all.

Key Largo is not my favourite of John Huston's work, but it is one of my favourites. The cinematography and production values are lovely, and Max Steiner's score is not only memorable but really adds to the atmosphere. The story is tightly constructed with many memorable moments, the script is simply cracking and Key Largo moves along very nicely as well. Once again, John Huston's direction is wonderful, and the ensemble cast is faultless. Both Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall give sterling performances and show great chemistry, while Lionel Barrymore is a pleasure. But it is Edward G.Robinson who steals the show, he is just outstanding here. So all in all, this is a great film, well worth seeing for the cast and Huston's direction, as well as other things. 10/10 Bethany Cox