Bogart, fresh from a dishonorable discharge (in which we participate cinematically) is not however disqualified from the world, and is soon on a ship to South America. Along the way he discovers that his shipmates, behind their appearances, are all financed by dubious relations with the Japanese. Bogart himself is on the verge of negotiating a little of the sweet action.
This is the next film after The Maltese Falcon but it is not a classic. Where exactly it falls short is difficult to say but I think the various intrigues lack interest value. I would have to watch it over again at least once to catch the exact details of each.
What it does have is great historical contemporaneity. Pearl Harbor is never mentioned and it is not clear that it has even happened yet in the film. But it really does make the story pop historically.
Also interesting that after Pearl Harbor, Hollywood did not turn to a Mr. Roberts type but continued with the downbeat, variously scrupled Bogie. Of course, Bogart turns out to be an honorable man, on his terms.
So all in all, I think it has lots to offer. Highly recommended.
This is the next film after The Maltese Falcon but it is not a classic. Where exactly it falls short is difficult to say but I think the various intrigues lack interest value. I would have to watch it over again at least once to catch the exact details of each.
What it does have is great historical contemporaneity. Pearl Harbor is never mentioned and it is not clear that it has even happened yet in the film. But it really does make the story pop historically.
Also interesting that after Pearl Harbor, Hollywood did not turn to a Mr. Roberts type but continued with the downbeat, variously scrupled Bogie. Of course, Bogart turns out to be an honorable man, on his terms.
So all in all, I think it has lots to offer. Highly recommended.