In Key Largo, Bogart plays a far more vulnerable character than we’re used to seeing until he finally rises to the challenge in a crowd-pleasing, climactic finale.ĭonnie Brasco (1997) - Most movies about organized crime, whether intended or not, glorify mobsters and celebrate their misdeeds. Making the situation even direr, a hurricane is approaching.

Robinson delivers perfectly as the villain. We’re drawn to the fates of Bogart and Bacall, trapped inside a suffocating oceanside Florida luxury hotel and where they’re kept as hostages by a gang of hoodlums. Key Largo is often cited as the epitome of what became known as film noir, conveying a menacing sense of danger and mounting suspense in black and white. But what really stands out in Key Largo is the look and the mood of the film. The great John Huston directed and also co-wrote the screenplay. Robinson, Lionel Barrymore, and Claire Trevor (who won an Oscar for her performance). This post-war classic casts five outstanding actors in their primes - including Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Edward G. Now, 70 years after it was first released, Key Largo stands the test of time. Hence, we’ll focus instead on the storyline and performances. Classic films are weighed down by outdated production values, by today’s standards.

Key Largo (1948) - Ranking older films poses a challenge. Note that in order to be listed in my “Top Ten,” the film must focus on some element of organized crime. What are the best gangster movies of all time?īy definition, gangster movies refer to films about organized crime, the mob, the Mafia, and other elements of the criminal underworld.

Casino the best mob movie