Watch To Have and Have Not

To Have and Have Not is a 1944 American film directed by Howard Hawks and starring Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Walter Brennan. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Ernest Hemingway, and it idealistically showcases the relationship between men and women during the Second World War in France. The movie follows Harry Morgan (Bogart), an American fishing boat owner, who is trying to make ends meet in the French colonial island of Martinique during World War II. With many men conscripted to the army, Harry is able to pick up petty jobs ferrying people and goods from here and there. Harry is a tough and hardened man who is content with what he has and doesn't want to get involved in anything that could jeopardize his business.

However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Marie "Slim" Browning (Bacall), a beautiful, sultry, and mysterious woman, who seems to have stumbled upon some extra cash. Slim appears to be stranded in Martinique, and Harry takes her as a passenger on a trip to collect some funds. Before they know it, they are caught up in a series of events involving the French Resistance, Nazis, and a plot to smuggle-in some people to fight against the occupiers.

As it happens in most films of this genre, Harry and Slim are drawn to one another from the very start. What is remarkable about this movie is the underlying sexual tension that Harry and Slim share throughout the film. Their dialogue is full of witty remarks and innuendos and their chemistry is palpable, to say the least. It is worth mentioning that this was the movie that brought Bogart and Bacall together for the first time, both on screen and in real life, and it led to one of the most renowned Hollywood relationships of all time.

Furthermore, the movie has redeeming qualities that go beyond the romance. The characters are well constructed and feel authentic. Harry is a man filled with contradictions, but ultimately a decent guy who is forced to time and again do the right thing. Slim, on the other hand, is mysterious and enigmatic, but not one-dimensional. Walter Brennan plays Eddie, Harry's friend and sidekick, who provides the comic relief in the midst of all the action.

To Have and Have Not is a war movie, but it is not an action movie. The film deals more with the consequences of war and the people who are caught in the crossfire than with the violence itself. Even when the characters are under attack, the film is not graphic, relying instead on clever editing and cinematography to convey the tension and danger.

The film's themes of loyalty, love, and survival are timeless, and the movie is a masterclass in film noir, with its long shadows, dark alleys, and smoky barrooms. The iconic director Howard Hawks uses the setting to great effect, showcasing the exotic and tropical island of Martinique, but also not shying away from the harsh realities of life during wartime.

To Have and Have Not is a classic film from one of the most celebrated genres of all time. It has everything that a fan of film noir could want - a gritty and intriguing storyline, a cast of distinctive characters, and two of the most memorable lead performances in the history of cinema. From the first scene to the last, the chemistry between Bogart and Bacall is electric and will keep you hooked until the end.

If you are a fan of classic movies, film noir or romance, To Have and Have Not is one of those films that you absolutely must see. It is a Hollywood masterpiece that still holds up to this day and is a testament to the talent of the actors, director, and writers involved.

To Have and Have Not is a 1945 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 90.