Key Largo MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: +3

[Ed. note: This 1948 film was not rated. It was reviewed as a video alternative to current films. Thematic elements would probably earn a PG rating.]

Here's a recipe for an evening's entertainment: Start with World War II veteran, Major Frank McCloud (Humphrey Bogart), visiting the family of one of his soldiers killed in Italy. Add a pretty young widow (Lauren Bacall) and the ailing father of the soldier (Lionel Barrymore); then mix in a gang of mobsters led by Johnny Rocco (Edward G. Robinson). Place these ingredients in a hotel on the Florida Keys and stir with a hurricane. Nora Temple and her father-in-law manage the hotel, which caters to fishing tourists. As Frank arrives, their only guests are some seedy characters with names like "Angel" and "Curly," who jump when their boss speaks. They have chosen this hotel as their temporary headquarters to transact some very mysterious business. The tension mounts as the hurricane moves in, making escape impossible. Although KEY LARGO is in black and white, its story and tropical setting are colorful. Pop some popcorn and settle down in front of the TV for this old-time favorite.

This star-studded film, directed by John Huston in the late 1940's, has no offensive language, sex or nudity. Certainly Humphrey Bogart and Edward G. Robinson were never considered as anything but forceful characters. Yet neither swears. Lauren Bacall exudes sensuality, but there is not even one embrace. Several shootings occur, but without bloody gore. The gangsters drink whiskey and Rocco's girl friend, Gay Dawn (Claire Trevor) very effectively portrays a pitiful alcoholic.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
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