To Have and Have Not (1944) Film Review

This review is written in terms of Forever Classics' Humphrey Bogart Blogathon.

5 stars

 "Was you ever bit by a dead bee?" (Eddie)

Howard Hawks directed this film that was the first movie of Lauren Bacall and the takeoff of her career, as well as beginning of a new Hollywood romance between this leading actress and her future husband, Humphrey Bogart, whom she starred alongside in the motion picture under review, To Have and Have Not.

What is it about?

In the claws of WWII, the island of Martinique is grasped by gloomy atmosphere, as well as the American captain Harry 'Steve' Morgan (Humphrey Bogart) who lends his fishing boat to a tight traveler, while his only crew member Eddie (Walter Brennan) tries to break a record in bending his elbow. In need for money, Morgan decides to take part in a questionable affair, transporting a French Resistance leader and his wife to Martinique, but in this story, they are not the most important people he meets for the man encounters wayward beautiful Marie Browning aka Slim (Lauren Bacall).

Was it made look good (by those who work in pre- and post-production or behind the camera)?

Obviously, Hawks put his heart and soul into directing this film because it is made flawlessly. It is one of the best war films (set outside the battlefield) that I have ever seen. The pacing and dialogues are top-notch, while it's not only thanks to screenwriters because ad-lib was welcome during the shooting of this film. Since it's a black and white movie, you can imagine why it's especially charming, and on this side, I loved the use of lighting. The story itself is nothing special today but in an oldie like this, it couldn't have been better, and I was not sure how is it going to end till the last minute.

What about acting?

This is my first film watched, starring both Bogart and Bacall, and without a doubt, they are one of the most magnetic acting pairings ever. Humphrey Bogart plays a brooding and suspicious specimen with usual confidence and toughness. As a newcomer, Lauren Bacall is extraordinarily stunning not only because of her beauty but because of her assured acting. It is unconfirmed whether it was her singing in the film for there are two opposite versions but I wouldn't be surprised if it was her. Walter Brennan is funny enough, as he portrays a character that makes the film complete. Other actors, Hoagy Carmichael, Sheldon Leonard, Dolores Moran, Walter Szurovy, are really good, forming a great supporting cast.

What did it make me feel?

Watching To Have and Have Not is a pure relaxation and rest. It is quite enjoyable and it is classic for real. You know, I came across many lauded classics and I thought they were given high rating only because they are old movies that have some beloved stars of yesteryear but those movies were not that good. To Have and Have Not is not one of those flicks; it justifies its high score on IMDb and other sites. This classic is very pleasant and I got a feeling that I was watching something really worthy, something cinematically eternal. That's one of the best things you can say about a movie, so I think I did what I had to.

Conclusion

Howard Hawks' classic To Have and Have Not is a story, told against the background of war-time Martinique, and it features mesmeric performances from two big stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. This motion picture is not a cheat for it opens its heart before you with sincerity and uniqueness in true classic silver screen spirit.

Rating: 5 stars (see what that means)

Do you like this film? What do you think of Bogart and Bacall starring together?