Review of High Sierra (1941) by William W — 16 Sep 2014

I have plans, you see, and there's no room for you in them.

Roy Earle has recently been released from prison and is on his way to Nevada to execute a heist to get his money and life together. While in a small town, he meets a disabled girl and falls in love; unfortunately, commitment doesn't take place but he holds a special place in his heart for her. He executes the heist, falls for another, but feels obligated to ensure the girl has the right direction in life. After seeing she has been cured of her disability and still doesn't want him, the gangster moves on but the heist may catch up with him.

"You always hope you can get out, it kind of keeps you going.".

Raoul Walsh, director of Objective, Burma; White Heat; The Roaring Twenties; Band of Angels; Cheyenne; Silver River; Glory Alley; and Sea Devils, delivers High Sierra. The storyline for this picture is amazing and well told. The characters are extremely dynamic and well presented and I adored the dialogue. The acting is outstanding and the cast includes Humphrey Bogart, Ida Lupino, Joan Leslie, Arthur Kennedy, and Henry Hull.

"You don't love her anymore, do you?".

"No. You wouldn't have asked if you didn't already know.".

I grabbed this off Turner Classic Movies (TCM) because it starred the great Humphrey Bogart. I absolutely adored his character and felt this was the perfect role for him. The ultimate evolution of his character was perfect. I also loved the interactions between characters and how the story concluded. This movie is pretty close to perfect. I strongly recommend seeing this picture.

"Everything is as it should, grass is still green, trees are still growing.".

Grade: A.