On Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 5:43:07 PM UTC-7, Endymion9 wrote:
> Just watched this for the first time. I give it *** out of five stars.
> I had seen bits and pieces of it, but never from start to finish.
> What I liked about it:
> Edward G. Robinson. Definitely a scenery chewer. When that man gets wound
> up, its hard to keep up just listening. Can't imagine having to play of him
> on screen. I loved his first show down scene with Bogey, daring him to have
> a shoot out. Also, his fear of the hurricane scenes were outstanding.
> Bogey. Perfect, low key wiseguy to play off of Eddie. There were some
> scenes that came off a little weaker (to me). Like when he was explaining
> his life philosophy after the first show down. Loved his scene where he got
> Gaye the drink and took the slaps from Eddie.
> Lionel Barrymore. Kept picturing Mr. Potter (It's A Wonderful Life) telling
> off Johnny Rocco.
> Claire Trevor. Deserved her Oscar nomination.
>
> Supporting cast of gangsters and cops. Thought all did well in their roles.
> What I didn't like about it:
> Lauren Bacall. Not that she gave a bad performance. And she made me like
> her character, Nora. Guess my expectations were just up there. She didn't
> seem to have many lines and seemed to be trying to act in almost every scene
> with just her expression. But unlike Bogey who seems to be a master of
> expression, she always gave the same blank glare. It never came off as the
> right emotion for me. Either when it was supposed to be sultry towards
> Frank McCloud or when it was supposed to be anger/disgust at Eddie.
>
> The Seminole group. Seemed to be a distraction and not add much. I can see
> how they were needed as a plot device to get the cops and gangsters
> together, but didn't think they added much after that initial premise. The
> cop chasing the brothers and shooting them, then expressing remorse all
> seemed a little contrived/forced to me.
> Summary: Another great Bogey and Robinson performance. Enjoyable film to
> watch. Drug in a few spots, but always quickly got back to the interesting
> parts of the story.
>
> --
> Dennis/Endy9
> ~Some will sink, but we will float. Grab your coat. Let's get out of here..
> You're my witness, I'm your Mutineer.~ Warren Zevon
> --

My favorite scene:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITs-YX1yQ7o