Desperate Hours - 1955
Cats: Set Your Recorders, Film Noir, Thriller/Suspense, Bogart|The picture stars Fredric March (in a role originally intended for Spencer Tracy) as a not such a pushover middleaged uppermiddle class business man who’s home is invaded and family held hostage by a gang of escaped convicts. Humprey Bogart in a role originated by Paul Newman on Broadway shines in his last tough guy role (he made only one more picture after this) as the leader of this viscious trio.
The story is taut as a typical suburbian family is thrown out if it’s orderly, predictable and pleasant routine into a world of escaped and ruthless killers using them as a rest stop and a shield from the law. This underrated version is far superior to the remake with Mickey Rourke, infact skip the remake.
There are people who say Mr. Bogart looks tired in the film. They attribute this to his illness that would ultimatly kill him in a couple of years. I think that Mr. Bogart knew exactly how he looked and used this to further his performance, a tired convict. A man who had been subjected to all the harshness of prison life and it has taken it’s toll. Mr. Bogart almost looks dirty, but not a dirt that be washed off, almost like a dirt on the soul of this character. Go see what I mean, you will not be dissapointed.
Tuesday March 25th at 8:00AM on Turner Classic Movies
