A hurricane rages outside while Frank McLoud (Humphrey Bogart), Nora Temple (Lauren Bacall) and her father-in-law James Temple (Lionel Barrymore) face just as much danger inside the Temple’s Florida resort. Frank had just dropped in to visit the Temples, father and widow of a friend who had died on a Second World War battlefield under his command. Unfortunately for all of them, Johnny Rocco (Edward G. Robinson) and his gang of underworld thugs have just checked in – they’ve rented the whole place for a week during slow season and they plan to use it as their jumping off point as they flee to Cuba.
Frank has a lot in common with other Bogart characters – especially Rick from Casablanca. He’s a cynical and apathetic fellow who’s been through the wringer a few times and isn’t particularly interested in getting involved in other people’s problems. As long as he gets out of the situation with his skin intact, he’s not going to get involved. Nora feels differently. A more outwardly passionate person, she’s repulsed by Rocco and company, and she wants Frank to do something about it – remember, this is 1948, so there wasn’t a whole lot more a woman could do.
It’s a tense standoff, with the gangsters unable to leave due to the storm. They’re terrified of its power, just as the hostages are afraid of the thugs’ guns. Frank’s apathy begins to slip away as he watches Rocco’s brutal treatment of his girl (Claire Trevor won an Academy Award for her performance as the heavy-drinking moll) and his mistreatment of native Indians who come to Temple’s hotel in search of shelter from the storm. Nora’s charms also help break through Frank’s crusty exterior. Could the ultimate cynic be falling in love? As the winds start to recede, Rocco decides to make his move – with Frank at the wheel of the escape boat. Now Frank must choose between continuing to live as a detached free agent, and standing up for what’s right.
Key Largo is a classic suspense film, and one that succeeds admirably even though most of its action takes place in a single room. Based on Maxwell Anderson’s play, the movie benefits from a smart script, precise direction by John Huston, and an incredible cast. Bogart, Robinson, Bacall, Barrymore, Trevor and the supporting players are all nearly flawless. Yes, we’ve seen Bogart’s character many times before, but nobody’s ever done a better job of playing the cynic who has almost – but not quite – given up on the world. Frank is a character who would fit in as well today as he did in post-war 1948. Same goes with Rocco, a man accustomed to bullying the whole world, but who feels helpless in the face of a raging hurricane.
This production is loaded with wit, and even though it’s obvious from the start that Frank’s going to be the hero, you can’t help feeling the tension and pleading with him to do the right thing.
