To Have and Have Not-1944
'Wuz you ever bit by a dead bee?'
The Ernest Hemingway novel that director Howard Hawks converted into a
Casablanca-esque film. Humphrey Bogart as Harry Morgan, whose boat is for hire, preferably for something legal such as deep sea fishing. But when times are tough he's less choosy which leads to some dangerous situations.
The novel was written in the mid 1930's, set in Key West Florida and Cuba. The film changes the backdrop to WWII. Like Rick's cantina in
Casablanca, the Marquis Hotel is one of the main settings. Lauren Bacall in her first film (playing a similar character to Ilsa/Ingrid Bergman in
Casablanca, is in port to 'buy a hat', Hoagy Carmichael is the charismatic piano player and Marcel Dalio is head of the local Sureté. (three roles that were not in the novel).
Bogart and Bacall have nice on-screen chemistry which extended to off screen as well. Walter Brennan is very good as Harry's friend, a rummy and one of the few characters from the novel. Entertaining film.
The Breaking Point-1950
Michael Curtiz (who directed
Casablanca) got his chance to film the Hemingway novel. This is a much more faithful adaption then the 1944 film although there were still a few changes. This is the better film of the two for me for a few reasons. Beautifully filmed with strong performances all around including the support roles and gets closer to the jist of the novel which is a dark story. Harry Morgan (John Garfield) makes his living with his boat, supporting his wife and two daughters. When a client abruptly leaves town without paying for several days of fishing Harry is left in a financial bind. He's forced to seek alternate sources of revenue which leads to some serious danger.
A rare case where the film(s) is/are far better than the book. Enjoy both films more than the novel which has numerous racial slurs as well as a significant and puzzling subplot near the end of the story. Well done film that believe deserves to be better known.
Underground-1941
Early in WWII, a group of Germans risk all by calling out the government with daring mobile radio broadcasts, calling themselves the 'Voice of Freedom'. It was a Hollywood propaganda type film made before the US entered WWII. No big stars, just about the whole cast were expatriate Europeans so the accents are genuine. Gripping story of two brothers on opposite sides, the soldier unaware of his brother's activities. This film was made about three years before Valkyrie took place, found it ironic that one of the brothers had lost an arm in battle. Well done espionage film.
Queimada! (aka Burn!)-1969
The control and exploitation of a Carribean island in the 19th century by colonial powers. Sir William Walker (Marlon Brando) helps to start a revolution which supported by the British, forces out the Portugese. Walker is a ruthless dude and several years later returns to the island to help quell an insurrection, led by his former compatriot José Dolores (Evaristo Marquez).
From
Songs My Mother Taught Me, Brando's autobiography: 'I think I did the best acting I've ever done in that picture, but few people came to see it.' Not surprising since it is a reminder of some dark history. Brando was also complimentary of director Gillo Pontecarvo (known for directing the classic film
The Battle of Algiers) saying that next to Elia Kazan and Bernardo Bertolucci, he was the best director he worked with. Although by his own admission he was one major pain in the ___ to the director with his antics during the shoot. Beautifully shot on location mostly in Columbia and another memorable score from the master, Ennio Morricone giving it somewhat of a
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly tone. Good interesting film, though the subject matter and images of violence won't be for all tastes.
Bound for Glory-1976
'Go to sleep, you weary hobo
Let the towns drift slowly by
Listen to the steel rails hummin'
That's a hobo's lullaby'
Biopic of Woody Guthrie (David Carradine). Set during the depression, Woody leaves his wife and children and takes to the road. He meets folks from all over including migrant workers in California and gets involved performing his own songs about the hard life they face. Don't know why Arlo didn't play his dad in this film, he was very good in
Alice's Restaurant. Carradine is impressive though, singin', strummin' and doing his own stunts, like fighting and jumping on and off moving trains. Great score for someone who enjoys folk music. Woody authored over 1,000 songs and influenced many artists to follow. Impressive attention to detail including the towns, trains, autos, etc. They created a dust storm using 40 tons of dirt and airplane engines generating 75 mph winds. Slow paced, very well done.
