Linbeymusol Wonderful character development!

Fairaher The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

Doomtomylo a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

frankwiener While other reviewers found this film to be "claustrophobic", I never shared that impression, thanks mostly to the opening, aerial shots of the bus on the Overseas Highway, the snappy script by director John Huston and Richard Brooks, and the stellar performances of most of the cast, including Edward G. Robinson, Humphrey Bogart, Lionel Barrymore, Claire Trevor, and Thomas Gomez. I would add Lauren Bacall to that list were it not for her subdued, lethargic character who closely scrutinized the commanding officer of her deceased husband at every opportunity from start to finish. I much preferred her as Irene Jansen in the grossly under-rated "Dark Passage", my favorite Bogart-Bacall film among the series of four.Disillusioned as a drifter after World War II, Frank McCloud (Bogart) visits the Florida Keys hotel belonging to the wheelchair bound father (Barrymore) of his Army buddy and subordinate. At the "historic" hotel, he not only finds a very lonely Nora Temple (Bacall), the widow of the same fellow warrior, but a bunch of nasty, despicable criminals, led by notorious gangster Johnny Rocco (Robinson). Having taken over the establishment, they hold the father and his daughter-in-law hostage. He also meets Rocco's washed up, alcoholic but fair-minded moll (Trevor in an Oscar winning role), a couple of brothers from a local Seminole tribe on the run from the law, and a powerful hurricane on rapid approach. When the skipper of the hoodlums' boat decides to evacuate secretly, the thugs decide that only McCloud, an experienced seaman, has the ability to ferry them to their destination in Havana. After McCloud foregoes one opportunity to kill the detestable Rocco at the hotel, will he waive a second chance against enormous odds as he stands alone and outnumbered among the gang far out at sea?And what was Johnny Rocco repeatedly whispering in the ear of Nora Temple that revolted her so? As viewers, we can only imagine the extent of his depravity. Mr. Barrymorel, with intense loathing and contempt, describes Johnny best. "You filth!"

PimpinAinttEasy Dear John Huston, Key Largo was a terrific thriller which revealed the ravaged psyche of citizens and general sense of doom in post-world war 2 America. A somber ex-soldier (Bogart) visits a hotel run by his dead fellow soldier's wife (Bacall) and father. He gets entangled in their predicament as a bunch of gangsters have taken over the hotel and are waiting for a hurricane to pass so that they could take a boat to Cuba.Edward.G.Robinson steals the show as Johnny Rocco - the leader of the gang. He is helped by the fact that both Bogie and Bacall are playing extremely submissive roles. His use of face expressions and posture helps distract attention from his short and portly demeanor. Even the cinematographer and the writer seemed to be in love with the character. He gets many close ups and obviously the best lines.The film foregrounded the sweeping power of evil as it renders everyone helpless and impotent. The film might as well be an allegory for the plight of the common man during the great war. The ending establishes the self-destructive nature of evil.A fine rollicking score by Max Steiner sets the mood for a tense night in a hotel during a hurricane attack.Brian De Palma was obviously inspired by the shaving scene in Key Largo for the opening scene in The Untouchables. A group of people forced to spend time together in a confined space due to the forces of nature ..... The Hateful Eight? The fact that the film completely ignores the outdoors of Key Largo is a drawback. There are shots of a few monstrous waves. That's it.Best Regards, Pimpin.(7.5/10)

Thomas Drufke What's so great about Film-noir's is that they thrust the audience into uncomfortable and alienating situations. While Key Largo is in most ways a lighter noir, it still creates a great amount dread and ominous situations, all a tribute to John Huston's wonderful direction here. Key Largo re-teamed Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall for the 4th and final time and it is yet another gem in their resumes. Lionel Barrymore, Edward G. Robinson, and Claire Trevor round out a tremendously talented cast. It helps that Key Largo is based on a play which gives the actors plenty of room to thrive in this crime drama film noir. Trevor won the Oscar for supporting actress and she's incredible, but Barrymore never fails to amaze me in a wheelchair. Between this, You Can't Take it With You, and It's a Wonderful Life, he has gave me some of the most enjoyable movie experiences, so thank you Mr. Barrymore.The film delves into a man's (Bogart) post World War II trip to his friends hotel when they are stranded with a bunch of gangsters during a hurricane. The premise itself thrives as a stage production by it also manages to give us an engaging and thrilling cinematic experience as well. I love how there is never any real assurance from the writing or direction that this film will be a happy ending, which makes it such a great noir. A hurricane and a bunch of gangsters? The only actor qualified for such circumstances has to be the one and only Humphrey Bogart.In all seriousness, Key Largo is a really good film. With a setting that sticks to the confinement of the hotel for 90% of the film, I can't speak highly enough of the directing and acting. It's difficult to make an action film with plenty of vivacious settings to be engaging for 90 minutes but Key Largo manages to it with one hotel, that's impressive. The character arcs of both Robinson's Johnny Rocco and Bogart's Frank Mcloud are interestingly paralleled. Both have nowhere to go or fit in and they both plenty of desires and hopes. To me, the scenes between both of them were the most fascinating. So overall, Key Largo is a classic. It gives you everything you want from a noir standpoint, while also creating a solid crime thriller in the process.+Direction+Barrymore always steals the show+Noir elements8.7/10

Python Hyena Key Largo (1948): Dir: John Huston / Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Edward G. Robinson, Claire Trevor, Lionel Barrymore: John Huston's disaster film is well made yet sometimes corny thriller about destination and the dangers surrounding. Edward G. Robinson heads a gang that takes several hostages within a resort hotel while pulling a heist. A terrible storm throws a damper into his plans and causes havoc. Starts out well with the arrival of Humphrey Bogart and two Indians who escaped jail but gave themselves up. The structure is stagy and the ending is cheesy with Humphrey Bogart sailing back and Lauren Bacall letting in the sunshine. Director Huston receives a credible performance where Bogart uses brains over brawn. Huston previously directed Bogart in The Maltese Falcon. Bacall is limited as a hinted damsel whose gushing scene in the conclusion gives happy endings a bad name. Robinson steal the film as the head villain who survives stagey material with convincing mannerisms that are eventually outdone. Claire Trevor steals moments as his drunken lounge singer whom he mistreats. Lionel Barrymore plays Bacall's father who own the hotel. He didn't plan on a second disaster though. Entertaining and well produced film that further places Huston among the innovators. Strong theme regards nature as an unpredictable force against man. Score: 6 ½ / 10