starring Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson, Lauren Bacall
directed by John Huston
Frank McCloud (Humphrey Bogart) arrives at the Largo Hotel in Key Largo, FL just before a hurricane hits. He is there to see James Temple (Lionel Barrymore), the father of a guy he served with in Italy during World War 2. Temple's son was killed during the war. Temple and his daughter-in-law, Nora (Lauren Bacall), do their best to make Frank feel welcome.
The hotel isn't open but there are a few people staying there in addition to James (who owns the place) and Nora. The guests aren't very friendly and as Frank soon finds out they are gangsters. Johnny Rocco (Edward G. Robinson) is their leader. He is there to transact some business with some other gangsters. He has brought four assistants and Gaye (Claire Trevor), his girlfriend.
A couple police officers show up looking for fugitives. They leave empty handed but one of them is captured and later killed by Rocco and his boys. Once the rain starts to fall it is too late for anyone to leave. Tensions rise within the hotel.
The hurricane eventually passes. Rocco transacts his business and then decides it is time to head back to Cuba. He forces Frank to drive the boat belonging to Temple which leads to a final showdown between Frank and the gangsters, aboard the boat.
Thoughts
Claire Trevor won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her work in this film. It was her second of three Academy Award nominations and her only win. All three of her nominations were for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
I first saw this movie 35 or more years ago, sometime during the 1980s. This might be the second time I have seen it. I am positive that I have not seen it in the past 20-25 years, possibly longer.
There are a number of good talented actors in this movie. They all turn in good to great performances. The story itself is a little overloaded.
I saw this movie as part of the 2023 Noir City DC film festival.
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