The perfect Christmas movie - We're No Angels (1955) Discussion

[–] mam13143 19 years ago

I saw this movie on TCM for the first time a month or so ago; bought the DVD and have watched it twice since. Delightful movie. But to me I have to always laugh at the end when, in true fifties Hollywood style, the three convicts decide to return to Devil's Island at the end.

But as someone else said, it's the kind of movie you watch with a smile on your face from beginning to end.

Highly recommended.

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[–] wilbinder 19 years ago

I first saw this film about thirty years ago (I was 10). Even after countless viewings it still puts a big smile on my face. While I've never been a fan of Humphrey Bogart, I thought he did great job. Aldo Ray with his husky voice and good looks always gets my attention. But Peter Ustinov was really my favorite. After seeing him in this I made it a point to see any film he appeared in. He has never disappointed me. Throw in Basil Rathbone giving another great villainous performance and you have one of my all time favorite films.

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[–] freesharon 18 years ago

This is the only Christmas movie in my collection, although I'm planning to get Pocketful of Miracles and I think that might have a holiday setting too. I can't think of a single moment in this film that doesn't work. Even the silly ending is OK because by that time it's obviously set in some alternate timeline where escaped convicts are desparate to do good deeds. I'm so glad they released it on DVD.

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[–] aalfrey50 18 years ago

I remember enjoying this movie around Christmas every year when I was in my teens, living in a small town near Oklahoma City. A few years later, I drove the 100 miles from Tulsa, OK to Oklahoma City and back one night in December of 1971 with a girlfriend to watch it with friends, since it wasn't being shown on any Tulsa stations. I managed to record it on VHS complete with commercials about 15 years ago and shared that with many friends, and after getting the DVD last year I introduced several friends to my favorite Christmas movie.

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[–] dancegirlknh 18 years ago

My dad made me watch it when I was ten or eleven. I didn't want to at first, but after it was over, I asked him why we didn't tape it. I got the DVD a year or two ago, and now my dad and I have wars over who gets to keep the movie since I am away at college. I usually have to trade a movie that he really wants that I have in order to get We're No Angels back to school. It is one of my all time favorite movies.

"Screws fall out all the time, the world's an imperfect place."

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[–] samanthaseaotter 18 years ago

Agree 100%. I woke up one morning on vacation and it was starting at 6:40 - I started laughing and didn't stop. Best Christmas movie ever - touches on all the right things without being preachy or sickeningly sweet.

Samantha

"Nobody's perfect."

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[–] zelda1964 18 years ago

I thought this was going to be like the Sean Penn film of 1989, but I was surprised,last nite! I loved Bogie playing the "despicable" con artist he portrays here.When he falls for the daughter of a store owner he intends to rob, he has a "change - of -Heart". Ustinov is also wonderful in this film; I love his charming "British" accent.

Albert: Even the girl herself called us angels

Joseph: We're no angels

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[–] cinema_forever19 16 years ago

Agreed. My parents love watching it! I've actually only seen it once or twice, in fact, they're watching it right now... maybe I ought to get off this freakin' computer and join them!

"Without mercy, a man is like a beast." http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=33163288

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[–] ILoveWinona-1 16 years ago

Oh My!!!! I'm watching my DVD copy of "We're No Angels" on my new Blu-ray player for the first time. The picture quality is fantastic. ----- It's like watching the movie in a movie theater. ----- As Peter Ustinov said in the movie "Compliments of the season", I hope all of our members have a great holiday. ----- ----- Rusty

"On screen Winona stands out like a polar bear on black velvet" Timothy Leary about his Goddaughter

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[–] smcbee27 10 years ago

Zelda, It's been 7 years but I hope in that time you've had the pleasure of many more viewings and realize Bogart in no way fell in love with shop keeper's daughter! Albert perhaps, but not dear Bogie! Merry Christmas & many more happy viewings.

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[–] hkhuffstutler 16 years ago

It's one of my family's Christmas traditions too! We watch it while decorating

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[–] omgmrtea 15 years ago

Hehe, it's just wonderful that i still get replies on that comment i made almost 4 years ago!

So i'm not the only one who holds this movie in high regards, Thanks you all!:-)

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[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] ScarletPimpernel64 15 years ago

We love it. Dad & I quote from it throughout the year.

"So what else is on your mind besides 100 proof women, 90 proof whiskey, and 14 karat gold?"

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[–] fbm72751 14 years ago

I recorded the part on cassette tape when they gather around and Sentimental Moments is sung. I played it to my girlfriend and she just cried like a baby and asked that it be played at our wedding later this year. It is quite fitting for the two sentimental people we are.

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[–] omgmrtea 14 years ago

Very nice idea :-) Best of luck to you!! I also totally adore this scene where they sing "Sentimental Moments", such a great piece of film!

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Vote History: http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=6065952

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[–] KleeFan 13 years ago

We love this movie too. The comedy between the three convicts is what drew us in, like that funny moment when the daughter compliments Bogart's character about how well he looks in her pink apron and Bogart catches Ustinov's character sneaking a grinning look at him. Gotta love Adolph too.

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[–] Ethereal-Cloud 13 years ago

If I owned WE'RE NO ANGELS, I think I would put it on the shelf next to BAD SANTA. Both are great black comedies with a lot of Christmas spirit.

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[–] smcbee27 10 years ago

2014- it's on DVD, my friend. Clear a shelf.:-)

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[–] BackroadJunkie 10 years ago

Best... Christmas... Movie... Ever...

But Ustinov, Bogart and Ray can't sing worth a darn. 

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[–] crankyerma1984 10 years ago

Couldn't agree more. I've had a special place in my heart for this film since I was little. It has pitch perfect performances from all of the key actors. If non of these legendary performers had never done another film in their careers this would have still made them giants of film to me.

With all due respect to Frank Capra's yuletide opus, this movie beats the living snot out of every other Christmas film in history.

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