Humphrey Bogart

Born: December 25th 1899
Died: 14th January 1957
Country: USA
Occupation: Actor

Quote:
"I don't mind a reasonable amount of trouble."
Sam Spade, The Maltese Falcon

After his breakthrough role as Duke Mantee in The Petrified Forest opposite Leslie Howard in 1936, Humphrey Bogart landed a contract with Warner Brothers and finally made his mark in films in 1941, particularly with his role as Sam Spade in The Maltese Falcon. Star status was certainly clinched with his performance as Rick in Casablanca, the movie with which he is most closely identified.

Bogart is remembered most for playing the no nonsense tough guy (as in the aforementioned Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon, Key Largo) . However there are times when he broke from this type (The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, The Caine Mutiny, The African Queen, Sabrina)...and amazed us with his versatility

Why We're Talking About Him:

What made Bogie so special to us? What contributes to the longevity of his persona?

My thoughts on it... Well, I feel women saw a tough man, to be sure, but one who could feel, who could be hurt, in spite of the toughness. This vulnerability under the surface puts him in good with the female audience.

As for his popularity with men? Well, here was a tough guy, and yes, one who could feel, one who could be hurt, but one who could also shrug it off. Loads of men want to be like Bogart

Movie Picks:

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Casablanca (USA 1942) What else? I can't imagine anyone who hasn't seen it, but if not, you're in for a treat. This is Bogart at his best, defining his character. It's killing Rick to be reunited with Ilse--but ultimately he can handle it

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The Maltese Falcon (USA, 1941) As much as I love "Casablanca", this may be my favorite. I think I just like the way he treats the hapless Wilmer. There's a great mystery around that crummy bird, so I won't say too much. Sam Spade is in control the whole time.

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Sabrina (US, 1954) A break away from type yet Bogart still exhibits a quiet strength that is irresistible--just ask Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn). An all around great film with a great cast (Bogart, Hepburn, William Holden).

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Anything that pairs him with Lauren Bacall, of course!

To Have and to Have Not, The Big Sleep, Dark Passage and Key Largo.

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No doubt mine is an arguable position as to why Bogart was/still is wildly popular, so why don't you post your opinions on our board?

- Cactus Les

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