It passes the venetian blinds test, as well as the corrupt
system one, but this movie is just too darn hot (and hopeful) to be a noir. The
morality level is teetering on flag waiving, sans an impromptu La Marseillaise
sing along and even though Bogart's Harry doesn't get to the point of sticking
his neck out for the cause, he will to help a beautiful girl. And boy, are they
steamy together. The undercurrents and the no-one's-fooling-anyone secret
smiles are all there on display. I'm almost too shy to watch, because this
first blush of romance shouldn't have to be shared with me.
So instead of two people who's avarice brings about their
downfall, this bypasses noir, as together, the heat melts their hard shells and
they become putty in each others hands. I'm not going to re-write that!
My
favorite line is when he kisses her back and she says, "It's even better
when you help." :D Who can I give credit to for that?
Hemingway?
Faulkner?
Furthman?
Whoever you are, bravo!
