Frank McCloud (Bogart) visits the family of a GI friend killed in the war and finds they have been taken hostage by gangster on the run, Rocco (Edward G. Robinson). A hurricane approaches as McCloud and Rocco face up to each other.

In this fourth screen pairing of Bogart and Bacall, the chemistry is still there, despite their roles as conflicted characters with no primary sexual or romantic connection. Edward G. and drunken moll Claire Trevor steal the show and slug it out for the acting awards. Key Largo is one of six films starring Bogart that Huston directed. The film was shot entirely on a set constructed in Hollywood, with storm footage lifted from other Warner Brothers films.

The characters are lent the gift of life by a superlative cast Robinson as the truculent Little Caesar, Bogart as an embittered ex-Army officer, Bacall as the innocent who loves him, and above all Trevor as the gangsters disillusioned, drink-sodden moll. TM, Time Out Film Guide

Adapted from a stage play, this is an exercise in claustrophobic tension that is far superior to an overrated film like Hitchcock’s Rope for example. Almar Haflidason, BBC films

Smart script, tight direction and fabulous cast. Brian Webster, Apollo Movie Guide.