Review of To Have and Have Not (1945) by Kevin R — 12 Mar 2012

Were you ever bit by a dead honey bee?

Harry Morgan and his drunk side kick run a boat for hire on a small island called Martinique. One of his clients tries to cheat him out of a deal causing Harry to pay especially close attention to him. Harry ends up getting involved in a larger deal with a chance to rake in some dough. While all this is going on a runaway lounge singer grabs Harry's attention.

"You ought to pick someone to steal from that doesn't owe me money.".

Howard Hawks, director of Rio Bravo, Rio Lobo, Land of the Pharoahs, Gentlemen Prefer Blonds, The Big Sleep, Come and Get It, Scarface (1932) and The Cradle Snatchers, delivers To Have and Have Not. The storyline for this picture is fascinating and reminded me slightly of Key Largo. The settings were interesting and the acting was brilliant. The cast includes Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Walter Brennan, and Sheldon Leonard.

"Are you a doctor?".

"No, but I've acquired a lot of gunshot wounds.".

I have become a fan of Humphrey Bogart. Initially, I was only looking for his gangster films but I have found all of his films fairly entertaining. Bogart plays a great cagey character that is unpredictable, bold, and confident. I have grown to like him as both a hero and a villain. This is another great performance that displays Bogart's range. He actually reminds me a little of Denzel Washington.

"That broke as easily as you will.".

Grade: B+.