Definitive Bogart/Bacall ESCAPISM.
The very clever screenwriters at Warner Brothers actually re-defined the "talking to the camera" gimmick from LADY IN THE LAKE, where the detective is now replaced with an escaped convict. From the classic opening which has Bogey escaping San Quentin in a trash can, rolling off the truck and into a ditch-- sirens blaring-- you know you're in for a WILD ride.
Of course there's a bit of poetic license; Lauren Bacall, out of nowhere, gives Bogey a "lift". Also, try some TWILIGHT ZONE-ish vignettes, such as the strange plastic surgeon ( played by Houseley Stevenson, father of actor Onslow Stevens) and dragon lady Agnes Moorehead, Bogart's worst nightmare.
Most definitely, a character duel between Bogart and Moorehead, they are fascinating to watch. One Warner Brothers movie that pulls out all the stops, and also has a campy feel round the edges. The unmasking scene where Bogey takes off his bandages is memorable.
Also some nice on location shots of San Francisco, more than likely added by director Delmer Daves who was a native. Daves wrote the screenplay. His very first film was DESTINATION TOKYO. A MUST SEE for noir completists, and don't forget the theme song, "Just Too marvelous For Words." Everything clicks.
Get the remastered WB official dvd box set with all the trimmings, including the theatrical trailer.
The very clever screenwriters at Warner Brothers actually re-defined the "talking to the camera" gimmick from LADY IN THE LAKE, where the detective is now replaced with an escaped convict. From the classic opening which has Bogey escaping San Quentin in a trash can, rolling off the truck and into a ditch-- sirens blaring-- you know you're in for a WILD ride.
Of course there's a bit of poetic license; Lauren Bacall, out of nowhere, gives Bogey a "lift". Also, try some TWILIGHT ZONE-ish vignettes, such as the strange plastic surgeon ( played by Houseley Stevenson, father of actor Onslow Stevens) and dragon lady Agnes Moorehead, Bogart's worst nightmare.
Most definitely, a character duel between Bogart and Moorehead, they are fascinating to watch. One Warner Brothers movie that pulls out all the stops, and also has a campy feel round the edges. The unmasking scene where Bogey takes off his bandages is memorable.
Also some nice on location shots of San Francisco, more than likely added by director Delmer Daves who was a native. Daves wrote the screenplay. His very first film was DESTINATION TOKYO. A MUST SEE for noir completists, and don't forget the theme song, "Just Too marvelous For Words." Everything clicks.
Get the remastered WB official dvd box set with all the trimmings, including the theatrical trailer.