Dark Passage

(Dir. Delmer Daves, 1947) 

A very cool little film-noir starring Humphrey Bogart as Vincent Parry, a prisoner escapee who has been framed for the murder of his wife. With the help of a kind-hearted cab driver and disgraced surgeon he undergoes plastic surgery to conceal his identity. Now with a new face he and his lone ally Irene Jansen (Lauren Bacall), he sets out to try and clear his name.

Since revisiting The Caine Mutiny (1954) earlier this years I’ve been sucked right in the movies of the late Hollywood giant Humphrey Bogart. With still many more to see Dark Passage is the most recent and the second I’ve seen out the four films in which he starring along side Lauren Bacall, the first being Key Largo.

I really enjoyed this film. The first person perspective at the beginning works great. It had me glued to screen and only hearing Bogey’s iconic voice it made me want to see his face so badly; which we don’t until a good third of the film is over. It’s shot very well; it’s stylish and captures the city of San Francisco in all its breathtaking beauty. Performances are great all round with a strong cast of characters, Bacall just absolutely shines along side Bogart.

A very good film if you’re a fan of the genre and style of film making, and a must see if you’re a fan of its two stars.  
- 4 STARS