For many years (I'm 62 now), I've avoided this film for two reasons. First, because although I really like Humphrey Bogart, I grew tired of his many gangster roles, and for some reason, in my mind, this was just another gangster film. The second reason was because although Eddie Albert was a fine actor, the emphasis was on "was"; I never forgave him for "Green Acres", and in that role I lost all respect for him.
I recently recorded this film on my DVR and figured I'd watch it for a few minutes, and then probably delete it. Much to my surprise, I really enjoyed this film. First, it's not a gangster film at all. Humphrey Bogart does play a less than stellar character -- the owner and manager of a circus-carnival, but here he is driven to an evil deed by a desire to prevent his younger sister from getting romantically involved with a "carnie". Second, Eddie Albert really is good here as a local who becomes a lion-tamer and then falls in love with Bogart's sister. Bogart plots the demise of Albert by putting him in with a man-killing lion.
Bogart is excellent here, as is Albert. In fact, despite the billing, I'd have to say that Albert is the real star of the picture. The female leads in the film are Sylvia Sydney (who does very nicely) and, in the lighter role, Joan Leslie as Bogart's sister. Cliff Clark is very good as one of the workers at the circus.
I see this film only gets a rating in the low-6 range, but I think it's better than that. Give it a chance. I think you'll enjoy it.
I recently recorded this film on my DVR and figured I'd watch it for a few minutes, and then probably delete it. Much to my surprise, I really enjoyed this film. First, it's not a gangster film at all. Humphrey Bogart does play a less than stellar character -- the owner and manager of a circus-carnival, but here he is driven to an evil deed by a desire to prevent his younger sister from getting romantically involved with a "carnie". Second, Eddie Albert really is good here as a local who becomes a lion-tamer and then falls in love with Bogart's sister. Bogart plots the demise of Albert by putting him in with a man-killing lion.
Bogart is excellent here, as is Albert. In fact, despite the billing, I'd have to say that Albert is the real star of the picture. The female leads in the film are Sylvia Sydney (who does very nicely) and, in the lighter role, Joan Leslie as Bogart's sister. Cliff Clark is very good as one of the workers at the circus.
I see this film only gets a rating in the low-6 range, but I think it's better than that. Give it a chance. I think you'll enjoy it.