To Have and Have Not
To Have and Have Not

Movie spotlight

To Have and Have Not

1945
Movie
100 min
English

A Martinique charter boat skipper gets mixed up with the underground French resistance operatives during WWII.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Google Users87%
Director: Howard HawksGenres: Romance, War, Film-Noir

Plot Summary

In the Vichy-controlled French Martinique during World War II, down-on-his-luck charter boat captain Harry Morgan is struggling to make ends meet. He reluctantly gets involved in transporting refugees to safety after a wealthy client fails to pay for his fishing trip. This decision entangles him with the French Resistance and puts him on a collision course with the local authorities, all while he finds himself increasingly drawn to the enigmatic Marie 'Slim' Browning.

Critical Reception

To Have and Have Not was generally well-received by critics upon its release, with particular praise directed at the electrifying chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, which launched their real-life romance and her stardom. While some noted its departure from the source material, the film's sharp dialogue, atmospheric tension, and Bogart's iconic performance cemented its status as a classic of its era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall's palpable chemistry is the film's undeniable highlight.

  • The witty, rapid-fire dialogue is a standout element, making the wartime intrigue engaging.

  • The film effectively captures a moody, noir atmosphere alongside its romantic and political themes.

Google audience: Audiences appreciate the steamy, iconic romance between Bogart and Bacall, the sharp dialogue, and the classic film noir style. Many enjoy the film's suspenseful plot and Bogart's cool, world-weary persona.

Fun Fact

The film marked Lauren Bacall's feature film debut and was instrumental in launching her career, largely due to her memorable 'steam' with Humphrey Bogart, which led to their legendary off-screen romance.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
barrymost

barrymost

"Was ya ever bit by a dead bee?" Plot in a nutshell: An American boat captain wages war against the Nazis in Martinique, with some help along the way from his frequently drunk right-hand man, and his clever girlfriend. Comments: Laure...