To Have And Have Not

A film review by Christopher Null - Copyright © 2000 Filmcritic.com

Lauren Bacall made her nerve-wracked screen debut in the memorable Howard Hawks film To Have and Have Not, put opposite the hugely famous Humphrey Bogart in a Casablanca-esque tale of intrigue in France during WWII. Bogart's crusty fisherman and Bacall's swindling lounge singer get roped into aiding the French resistance, but the plot is ultimately a throwaway -- having none of the depth of Casablanca. Instead, To Have and Have Not owes its success to some fiery chemistry between its leads as well as amazing supporting turns by Walter Brennan and Hoagy Carmichael. The jazzy tunes played in Bacall's bar are unforgettable, too. You know how to whistle, don't you?

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Rating

4.0 out of 5 Stars

Cast and Crew

  • Director: Howard Hawks
  • Producer: Howard Hawks
  • Screenwriter: Jules Furthman, William Faulkner
  • Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Walter Brennan, Lauren Bacall, Dolores Moran, Hoagy Carmichael
  • MPAA Rating: NR