To Have or Have Not (1944)

 To Have or Have Not (1944)


1944’s To Have or Have Not is one of those films that reminded me of Casablanca…in a good way. Perhaps not nearly a classic like the aforementioned film, Howard Hawks’s film invokes memories of that particular movie. Some similarities are the usage of Humphrey Bogart and the French Resistance. I was captivated by the film as it showcased the powerful acting skills of both Bogart and the much younger Lauren Bacall. Hawks, the man behind the adventure film Barbary Coast and the screwball comedy Bringing Up Baby, is at his best here. What is known as “Hawkism” is on full display. In other words, it is a film about a strong, central male character and the similarly strong female. Being that personal integrity is one of the traits, we see that here with Bogart. Hawks has no time for “losers,’ which is why the ending is the way it is. In any case, this is a fun, action-packed adventure that will satisfy those craving for an adventure in the vein of Casablanca.

I was very intrigued about how this film was produced. The novel the movie is based on was written by Nobel Peace Prize winner Ernest Hemingway. The author did not care to be a part of Hollywood. On a ten-day fishing trip, Hawks believed he could make an entertaining motion picture based off Hemingway’s worst title, which he believed was To Have or Have Not. Jules Furthman was hired to write a draft. Joseph Breen, in charge of the Production Code, cited more than three dozen instances that violated the code (aren’t we happy this code does not exist in modern times?). Originally set in Cuba, the script needed to be changed to appease the Roosevelt Administration because of their approach regarding Latin countries. Another Nobel Peace Prize winner, William Faulkner, was hired to make necessary changes to the screenplay to avoid political conflict between the Vichy government and Free France. It was he who suggested the idea that the setting be changed to the French-controlled island of Martinique. Despite all the changes, the screenplay is one of the highlights about the movie. It had great line of dialogue and it showcased the sexual tension between Bogart and Bacall. Ironically, the film is completely different from Hemingway’s novel with the exception of the first fifteen minutes. I do hope Hemingway approved of the film.

It is 1940 and World War II is well underway. The Nazis have taken control of France and its territories by this point, including Martinique. Harry Morgan (Humphrey Bogart) is an American who tries to remain inconspicuous as he takes tourists out on his fishing boat. One of his prospective clients ended up killed by a stray bullet. Desperate for money, Morgan is pressured into smuggling one of the leaders of the Free French onto the island. With his new friends Marie (otherwise known as Slim, played by Lauren Bacall) and Eddie (Walter Brennan), he must stay one or two steps ahead of the secret police. He tried to be neutral, but now Morgan needs to pick a side.

Hawks always said his film existed to show the relationship between its two leads, which makes sense being the character-driven picture this is. Both were excellent. Can you be surprised at that statement? Bogart began dating Bacall (much to Hawks’s disapproval) and they ended up married. You can sense their steaming chemistry with one another. I was always rooting for them to end up together. Hawks, being the type of director he is, allowed this to be the case. It is not a showy performance for Bogart, but he created something memorable. And Bacall catapulted to the A-list. Bacall was so good that Hawks had to downplay the other leading lady, Dolores Moran (who was also very good). In terms of supporting roles, I really liked Walter Brennan’s performance as the constantly drunk friend of Harry’s.

Overall, it might be a good idea to give To Have or Have Not a look. I believe there is always a danger this title may end up being “underrated.” Yeah, it’s not Casablanca but it does come close. It has epic action, sweeping romance, and thrills meant to chill your bones. I do not believe it is a full noir picture, but this comes as close as it gets with Hawks dabbling with the genre. There are critics who do call this a film-noir. Another reason to give the movie a look!

My Grade: A-

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