The Desperate Hours
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Movie Reviews of The Desperate Hours
Movie Review: Forgotten Greatness
Summary: 5 Stars
this film, like many other great classics, been forgotten or so it seems. i have always cherished this little gem. it was directed by William Wyler, a man whose name is synonymous with great filmmaking. though this film may pale in comparison to the epic "Ben Hur" it should by no means be disregarded. the basic premise is a band of criminals "on the lam" from the police decide to converge upon a midwestern family and use their home as a refuge from the authorities. Humphrey Bogart gives one of the best performances of his career, reviving the old gangster type roles which propelled him to stardom in the 1930s. to divulge any of the plot elements would be unfair to anyone considering the viewing or purchase of this great little gem of a film. it seizes your attention from the beginning with its ominous score to the last riveting scene and never lets go.
as for the DVD, the picture clarity is amazingly sharp and the sound is good too. as for the special features, there are none. this was very disappointing. this one really deserved the special treatment. in spite of its lack of special features, the clarity and sound are enough to warrant a closer look at this wonderful little film.
Movie Review: Humphrey Bogart and Fredric March
Summary: 5 Stars
In THE DESPERATE HOURS, Humphrey Bogart, returned to his signature bad guy roles after years of playing the world weary hero. Fredric March co-starred in this classic thriller, directed by William Wyler and based on a true story, which, in turn, was adapted into a hit stage play by Joseph Hayes.
March plays the head of a happy suburban family whose household is invaded by by three vicious escaped convicts, led by Bogart.
True, this kind of hostage drama is familiar television fare these days, but this 1955 film is still the best of them all. The movie holds up remarkably well, and the cast, which includes Arthur Kennedy, Martha Scott, Dewey Martin, Robert Middleton and Gig Young, is superb.
© Michael B. Druxman
Movie Review: One of my favs
Summary: 5 Stars
Boy, am I going to disappoint that person who rated this one only one star. . . Sure, to some Bogart is simply "playing himself" vs getting deeper into character. Me, I kinda like it both ways, still I'm not gonna complain. For some, watching Bogart "play Bogart" is part of the charm/appeal of a film. Contrived plot? Sure, ok. I saw part of the 1990 remake "Desperate Hours" with Mickey Rourke and Anthony Hopkins. I'll take Bogart and Fredric March squaring off over those two.Movie Review: Enjoyable suspernser
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a very well done, suspenseful film. Bogart and March are excellent in the leads. What is especially fascinating is that, even though Paramount was the studio, the exteriors of the film were filmed on the Universal lot, and one can clearly see the Hillard's home as the same as the one in Leave it to Beaver. Lots of shots of the Universal lot where Desperate Housewives is filmed now, more than 50 years later.Movie Review: "Bogie-licious"
Summary: 5 Stars
This "edge of your seat" suspense drama is Bogie at his best. I have seen it many times and can always watch it again. Bogie can do evil so well--an evil that you cannot ever completely hate, you always feel a tiny sympathy for his misdirected malcontent as an evil character. The original "suicide by cop" film. Time has shown what a truly terrific actor Humphry Bogart was. We miss you Mr. Bogart.