Key Largo 1948
“A storm of fear and fury in the sizzling Florida Keys!”
What is Key Largo?
Key Largo (1948) is a 1‑hour‑40‑minute American crime‑thriller directed by John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson, and Lauren Bacall.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 1948
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 100 minutes
- Release date
- Jul 16, 1948
- Studios
- Warner Bros. Pictures
- Genres
- Crime, Thriller
- Updated
Trailer
Overview
Key Largo (1948) is a 1‑hour‑40‑minute American crime‑thriller directed by John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson, and Lauren Bacall. Set in a Florida Keys hotel during a hurricane, the plot follows ex‑GI Frank McCloud as a sadistic mobster, Johnny Roco, holds the hotel owner, his widowed daughter‑in‑law, and McCloud at gunpoint.
Regarded as a classic example of film noir, the movie adapts Maxwell Anderson’s 1939 play and features supporting performances by Lionel Barrymore and Claire Trevor. Its tone is dark and atmospheric, with a deliberate, steady pacing characteristic of 1940s cinema, emphasizing psychological tension over rapid action.
Should you watch it?
“A hurricane rages outside while a ruthless mobster terrorizes a secluded Florida hotel.”
- John Huston's direction creates tight, escalating tension.
- Iconic performances by Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson, and Lauren Bacall.
- Atmospheric blend of a natural hurricane and internal menace.
- Its 1940s pacing and black‑and‑white style may feel slow to modern viewers.
Watch it if you enjoy tense, character‑driven thrillers set against a looming natural disaster.
The film maintains a brooding noir tone with measured pacing, suited for adult audiences who appreciate classic drama.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I stream Key Largo?
Key Largo is available for digital rental or purchase on major platforms such as Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play.
Is Key Largo worth watching?
Yes; it is praised for its direction, star performances, and status as a classic film‑noir work.
How long is the film?
The runtime is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Do I need to read the original play to understand the film?
No; the movie stands on its own, adapting the 1939 play’s story for a cinematic audience.
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