Best Bogart Movies

From Michael Curtiz, starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains
Rated PG

Set during the early years of World War II, Casablanca follows the story of Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), a cynical American expatriate who runs a nightclub in the Moroccan city of Casablanca. When Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) arrive in Casablanca, Rick's world is thrown into chaos as Ilsa was the love of his life from Paris, who left him without explanation. As the war intensifies, Ilsa and Laszlo become the target of Nazi forces, and Rick is forced to choose between helping them escape or preserving his own safety. As Rick wrestles with his conscience, he must also decide if he can let go of Ilsa and the life they could have had together. In the end, Rick finds a way to sacrifice his own happiness for the greater good of the world.

From John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, Tim Holt, Bruce Bennett
Rated Passed

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a classic 1948 adventure-drama directed by John Huston. Set in Mexico during the 1920s, the film tells the story of three Americans—Fred C. Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart), Bob Curtin (Tim Holt), and Howard (Walter Huston)—who are down on their luck and desperate for money. The three decide to search for gold in the Sierra Madre mountains. After a long and grueling journey, they eventually strike gold and become rich. However, their newfound wealth begins to tear the trio apart as greed and paranoia take over. In the end, only one man is left standing, having found a kind of unexpected spiritual treasure along the way.

From John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Gladys George, Peter Lorre
Rated Passed

The Maltese Falcon is a classic 1941 American film noir directed by John Huston, based on the novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett. It stars Humphrey Bogart as private detective Sam Spade, who is hired by a beautiful woman to locate a valuable statuette known as the Maltese Falcon. As he searches for it, he becomes ensnared in a complex and dangerous web of deceit and treachery, involving a ruthless criminal mastermind, his associates, and a femme fatale seeking to manipulate him. Along the way, Spade must confront the depths of human greed and corruption as he attempts to outwit those who will stop at nothing to get what they want.

From Howard Hawks, starring Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, John Ridgely, Martha Vickers
Rated Passed

The Big Sleep is a 1946 film directed by Howard Hawks, starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. It is an adaptation of Raymond Chandler's novel of the same name. The film follows private investigator Philip Marlowe (Bogart) as he is hired by wealthy General Sternwood to investigate a blackmailer. Marlowe soon discovers the blackmailer is connected to a complicated web of criminals, including a seductive femme fatale (Bacall), a suspicious librarian (Martha Vickers), and a dangerous mobster (Sydney Greenstreet). As Marlowe navigates his way through the investigation, he soon finds himself in increasing danger. The Big Sleep is an iconic film noir, notable for its witty dialogue, snappy pacing, and creative cinematography. It is widely regarded as one of Hawks' finest works.

From Howard Hawks, starring Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Walter Brennan, Dolores Moran
Rated Passed

To Have and Have Not is a classic American romantic drama starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Set in Fort de France, Martinique during World War II, the film tells the story of an independent boat captain, Harry Morgan (Bogart), who reluctantly agrees to help the Free French Resistance by ferrying a group of expatriates to safety. At the same time, he must also protect a beautiful young woman, Marie Browning (Bacall), who is wanted by the local police. As the film progresses, Morgan and Browning fall in love, despite the dangers of their situation and the fact that Morgan is already married. Through the dangers they face together, they come to realize that they have more in common than they initially thought. The film is a classic of 1940s Hollywood and features some of the most iconic and memorable lines from the era.

From John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Robert Morley, Peter Bull
Rated PG

The African Queen is a 1951 drama film directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. Set in German East Africa during WWI, the plot follows a recalcitrant riverboat captain (Bogart) and a missionary (Hepburn) who team up to use a river boat to attack a German warship. The two must overcome their differences and battle not only the German warship but also the rough terrain and the foul conditions of the river. In the end, they find a way to succeed in their mission and develop a strong bond in the process.

From Edward Dmytryk, starring Humphrey Bogart, José Ferrer, Van Johnson, Fred MacMurray
Rated Not Rated

The Caine Mutiny is a 1954 drama based on the best-selling novel by Herman Wouk, directed by Edward Dmytryk. The film follows the tumultuous events aboard the USS Caine, a US Navy destroyer, during World War II. The Caine's captain, Philip Francis Queeg (Humphrey Bogart), is an obsessive-compulsive disciplinarian who is increasingly seen by the crew as mentally unstable and incapable of carrying out his duties. After a series of questionable decisions by Queeg, the Caine's executive officer, Lieutenant Commander William Keith (Van Johnson), conspires with the other officers to relieve Queeg of command. The subsequent court-martial of the officers, presided over by Admiral William Halsey (Fred MacMurray), reveals the truth about Queeg's psychological instability and the impact it had on the Caine's mission. The film is a gripping courtroom drama and a powerful examination of loyalty, duty, and justice.

From Billy Wilder, starring Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, William Holden, Walter Hampden
Rated Passed

Sabrina (1954) is a romantic comedy directed by Billy Wilder. The story follows Sabrina, the daughter of the Larrabee family's chauffeur, who falls in love with David Larrabee, the younger, playboy brother of the family's heir, Linus. After a trip to Paris, Sabrina returns home changed and David falls in love with her. However, Linus, who is engaged to the wealthy and domineering Elizabeth, believes that Sabrina is only after his brother's money. To prevent a marriage, he arranges for Sabrina to be set up with a millionaire, who actually turns out to be a fraud. In the end, Sabrina proves her worth and love for David, and the two marry, much to Linus' chagrin.

From Delmer Daves, starring Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Bruce Bennett, Agnes Moorehead
Rated Passed

Dark Passage is a 1947 noir film directed by Delmer Daves and starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. The story follows Vincent Parry (Bogart), a man who has been wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife and sentenced to life in prison. After escaping, he enlists the help of an artist, Irene Jansen (Bacall), to help him clear his name. As the pair go on the run from the law, they get caught up in a web of deceit, corruption, and murder. Along the way, Parry discovers the truth about his wife's death, which leads to a thrilling climax as he is forced to confront the man responsible.