MovieChat Forums > Humphrey Bogart Discussion > Bogart movies you didn't like?

Bogart movies you didn't like?

posted 5 years ago by rudeboymurray (3290)
19 replies | jump to latest

Humphrey Bogart is one of the very small handful of actors whose presence makes pretty much any film worth a look and of the thirty or so of his movies which I have seen the majority are, at the very least, pleasant diversions - and a handful are, of course, all-time classics. A great actor and a GREAT star.

However nobody is fallible. I have to say that I found Tokyo Joe thoroughly mediocre - within moments of its ending I had forgotten it and not even the great Bogie could do much to elevate it.

I would much rather sit through that again, however, than The Barefoot Contessa, which I found to be complete nonsense, a glossy but dreary soap opera melodrama with a fine cast utterly wasted.

Which Bogart films did NOT live up to expectations for his other fans?

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

beat the devil 1953

[–] rudeboymurray (3290) 5 years ago

I loved Beat the Devil but I certainly understand that it isn't to everyone's taste. I actually feel that Bogart had something of a gift for comedy that was seldom tapped and I think Jennifer Jones is wonderful here -- fabulous supporting cast, too!

[–] telegonus (741) 5 years ago

I do, too. It's a hoot. Bogart hated the picture, claimed that only phonies liked Beat The Devil. It's far from perfect, I agree, and very arch, but its sheer outrageousness sells it for me. Agreed on Jennifer Jones, who looks radiant in the film. Odd seeing her work so well in comedy, and with that accent!

[–] johnmarti59 (2356) 4 years ago

Oh god, I hated that movie. It's one of his worst movies.

[–] jason88cubs (2485) 5 years ago

noneee

[–] telegonus (741) 5 years ago

Well, I came to Chain Lightning with low expectations, and they were met.

Swing Your Lady is near the bottom for me.

There aren't too much Bogart pictures I dislike intensely, just indifferent to. You Can't Get Away With Murder is one such, The Big Sleep, another.

[–] rudeboymurray (3290) 5 years ago

I do love The Big Sleep. I have yet to see the others you mention - I will probably get around to them eventually but certainly won't go in expecting to be blown away!

[–] MovieExpert007 (52) 5 years ago

Ironically for me, it was The African Queen. In my opinion, Bogart was great in it and he deserved the Oscar but the movie just didn't do it for me. There were so many over top melodramatic moments and I am not particularly fond of Katherine Hepburn, although she was an outstanding actress.

[–] rudeboymurray (3290) 5 years ago

I find The African Queen an easy watch. The first time I watched it was when I was in hospital for a couple of weeks aged 13 and it was on TV - it's perfect viewing for that type of situation, or for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Awfully lightweight, of course, but I do enjoy the banter between the two stars.

Hepburn can go either way for me. At her best she was extraordinary, but she could also be infuriating.

[–] MovieExpert007 (52) 5 years ago

You are absolutely right. For a situation like yours, it's perfect but honestly, it's not a movie I would necessarily watch again if I had other options.

I could actually not put it better. Katherine Hepburn was an outstanding actress but quite often she could also be a pain.

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

women love this movie

[–] telegonus (741) 5 years ago

It's not a favorite of mine, The Bogart-Kate Hepburn chemistry is lost on me. The African Queen is very well written but it fails to come to life for me.

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

Something with him being left alone at a train station and then meeting up with a fake priest and an encounter with a woman who runs a bookstore. It was a long time ago and I should give it another chance.

[–] Adam60z (3781) 5 years ago

African Queen. I don't think he had good chemistry with Katherine Hepburn.

[–] NotoriousRio (12927) 5 years ago

In a Lonely Place, I didn't enjoy it the first time, but its rated so highly I watched it again a year later and I disliked it again, the performances are fine, it’s just the story I don’t like.

The Oklahoma Kid is also terrible.

[–] kuku (3510) 5 years ago

African Queen (and I see I'm not the only one). For some reason I never liked that movie, even though I can't really point out any flaw. It's just... it doesn't tick.

[–] rudeboymurray (3290) 5 years ago

That seems a (un)popular choice on this thread... while it's not one of my favourites, I do find it entertaining thanks to the star power - Bogart and Hepburn may have been an unlikely match-up, but their expert skill with the one-liners and sheer charisma carries it.