Watch Dark Passage

Dark Passage is a classic film noir released in 1947 and stars one of the most iconic Hollywood film couples of all times, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. The film follows Vincent Parry (Bogart), who escapes from San Quentin prison with the help of his friend and fellow inmate. On the run, he looks for a way to clear his name and find his wife's real killer.

The film begins with Parry escaping from the prison, and a tense chase scene ensues. As he flees, he meets up with a stranger, Irene Jansen (Bacall), who agrees to help him clear his name. The two make an unlikely pair as they bicker and flirt with each other along the way.

As Parry tries to evade the law, he undergoes plastic surgery to change his appearance. This becomes an interesting plot device as the audience sees the story unfold through his new face. Throughout the film, we see the world through Parry's perspective and experience the difficulties he faces in trying to stay hidden.

One of the most notable aspects of the film is its use of subjective camera shots. The audience is meant to see Parry's perspective through a first-person camera lens. This technique is seen most effectively when Parry is running away from the police, and the camera shifts to his running legs, movie-goers feel like they are running with him.

As Parry gets closer to finding the real killer, he scours the city and uncovers new information. Along the way, he discovers that not everyone he meets has his best interests at heart. A case in point is Baker (played by Bruce Bennett), Irene's friend, who becomes more and more suspicious of Parry's true identity.

The film's climax is a nail-biting sequence that takes place on the Golden Gate Bridge. The scene is so iconic that it has become synonymous with the movie itself. It involves Parry battling it out with the killer on the bridge while the cops are hot on their trail. It is a fitting end to a film that has been building up to this point.

Dark Passage is an atmospheric and stylish movie that stands out as a quintessential film noir piece. It is a tale of murder, love, and redemption that is thrilling to watch from start to finish. The narrative is gripping, and the characters are well-defined, with Bogart and Bacall's chemistry bringing a spark to the screen.

While the film is not as well-known today as some of Bogart and Bacall's other collaborations, it still stands as a testament to the golden age of Hollywood cinema. It is a must-see for anyone who loves classic films, especially those who are fans of the genre of film noir.

In conclusion, Dark Passage is a gripping and suspenseful film that showcases the talents of Bogart, Bacall, and the rest of the cast and crew. The use of subjective camera shots, coupled with the tense and engrossing narrative, keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. It is a perfect example of classic film noir and is an essential watch for all fans of the genre.

Dark Passage is a 1947 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 68.