Dark Passage

 I was annoyed, as a certain percentage of other viewers have been, that this movie begins and proceeds for quite some time without showing the star of the movie Humphrey Bogart, understanding of course that this is a function of the plot, but nevertheless making me a little impatient. About an hour into the movie, our hero does indeed appear but along the way, we have been treated to a number of auxillary performances-these I would like to herald. Firstly, the memorable character played by Tom D'Andrea, who as a cab driver, picks Bogart up and takes him to a very hush-hush plastic surgeon down a dark alley-at 3 A.M. Next, that very same doctor, played with a twinkle in his eye, by Houseley Stevenson-a very memorable performance. Thirdly, the bravaro acting of Agnes Moorehead, culminating in a shocking exit. Also of special mention is the part played by the movie's location-that of late 1940's San Francisco. The city's unique personality is very present throughout Dark Passage. Which brings us back to our two main leads-Ms. Bacall and the formidable Mr. Bogart. Lauren grows in enticement as the film progresses and the always dependable Bogie battles through a few rough patches to ultimately come out on top. As if we didn't know. A different kind of classic from the golden age of classic film.     6/23/11