Review of High Sierra (1941) by Matthew H — 21 May 2010

High Sierra is a landmark movie for one reason. It was Bogart's big chance to prove that he could be a successful leading man. The movie features Bogart as the second name on the cast after Ida Lupino who had broken through into the mainstream in two years earlier, in 1939's "The Light that Failed" and tells the tale of a bank robber who is pardoned and released from prison where he sets about a hotel robbery whilst befriending a nice family headed by Henry Travers on their way to L.A.

Directed to an impeccable standard by Raoul Walsh, High Sierra is a fast moving thriller that is full of action, drama and even features an amazing car chase, considering of course that the year is 1941). The cast all work well together with Lupino and Bogart both exceptional as 30's people that time seems to have passed by. Nothing really goes right for Bogart's character throughout the story and despite the fact that his character is a criminal, I found myself often feeling sorry for and rooting for him. I guess that is just Bogart's appeal as an actor mixed with the quality of the script.

I think that High Sierra is recommended viewing really for anyone who considers themself a fan of thrillers or action/adventure movies. This movie is full of reasons to continue watching as it speeds along to it's finish and it really is well made. John Huston (The Treasure of the Sierra Madre) penned the movie and Raoul Walsh directs with skill but even if you only see it to witness the breakthrough of Humphrey Bogart, make sure that High Sierra is on your movies to see list.