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Key Largo

Play trailer Poster for Key Largo 1948 1h 41m Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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97% Tomatometer 36 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
This classic film noir by John Huston stars Humphrey Bogart as World War II vet Frank McCloud. Visiting Key Largo to pay his respects to the family of his late war buddy, McCloud attempts to comfort his comrade's widow, Nora, and father, James Temple, who operate a hotel. But McCloud realizes that mobsters, led by the infamous Johnny Rocco, are staying in the hotel. When the criminals take over the establishment, conflict is inevitable.
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Key Largo

Key Largo

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Critics Consensus

Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall are at the mercy of Edward G. Robinson's menacing gangster -- and so is the audience in this enthralling chamber piece.

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Critics Reviews

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Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Apr 8, 2008
A little windy and rhetorical for my taste, but still one of John Huston's best efforts. Go to Full Review Ian Nathan Empire Magazine Apr 8, 2008
4/5
Perfeclty tense atmosphere and performances, with the sparks flying between Bogart and Bacall. Go to Full Review Variety Staff Variety Apr 8, 2008
Emphasis is on tension in the telling, and effective use of melodramatic mood has been used to point up the suspense. Go to Full Review Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies Feb 11, 2024
4.5/5
Key Largo manages to keep audiences on their toes or at the edge of their seat from start to finish. Go to Full Review Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies Aug 22, 2022
4.5/5
Loosely based on Maxwell Anderson’s 1939 play, “Key Largo” took the form of a brilliant crime drama anchored by a great cast and superb performances. Go to Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Aug 13, 2020
9/10
The real stars of the film are mind games and manipulation, sharply brought to life by the restrained verbal feuding between Bogart and Robinson. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Joseph E @RT35842617 Sep 4, 2026 Watch it just for Robinson he is magnetic. Bacall doesnt do much just a pretty face. Bogey of course natural talent. Claire Trevor acting I thought wooden but she won best supporting? What do I know. The shadows and lighting very cool. Totally watchable, though Bogey character still missing a lot of development. Still he nails it. See more William B @A1reviews Apr 27, 2026 A real good old movie. See more DJ B. @TheNoirtheMerrier Feb 9, 2026 Bogart and Bacall were fantastic together. An outstanding role by Edward G Robinson. Lionel Barrymore also turned in a great late career performance. The beautiful scenery of the Keys, a hurricane, and a fantastic story with enough twists to keep it interesting all combine for a fantastic viewing experience. See more Per S @RT83737705 Jan 19, 2026 Grand cast in another overrated John Houston film. See more Leaburn O @RT35452347 Dec 17, 2025 A little bit too far fetched and overwrought for my liking. Acting is hammy and unbelievable. The plot is ok and it is fast moving enough to get through but I’m not onboard with its classic status. Watched on DVD. See more TheMovieSearch R @TheMovieSearch Dec 16, 2025 Key Largo stands as a defining black-and-white classic that showcases Humphrey Bogart at the height of his screen presence, delivering a film that once represented a pivotal moment in cinematic history. The direction is confident and deliberate, creating tension through atmosphere, dialogue, and character interaction rather than spectacle. Each character feels purposeful, and their individual arcs gradually collide in ways that keep the story engaging and emotionally charged. The screenplay is strong for its time, allowing the audience to feel immersed in the setting and invested in the moral conflicts unfolding on screen. There is a craftsmanship here that reflects an era when cinema relied on performance and storytelling rather than constant stimulation. That said, Key Largo may struggle to resonate with younger audiences, feeling distant or slow due to changing viewing habits. While its legacy remains intact, its impact rests more on historical appreciation than mainstream appeal. See more Read all reviews
Key Largo

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Cast & Crew

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John Huston

Director

Humphrey Bogart

Frank McCloud

Edward G. Robinson

Johnny Rocco

Lauren Bacall

Nora Temple

Lionel Barrymore

James Temple

Claire Trevor

Gaye Dawn

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Key Largo

Key Largo (1948) Key Largo (1948) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis This classic film noir by John Huston stars Humphrey Bogart as World War II vet Frank McCloud. Visiting Key Largo to pay his respects to the family of his late war buddy, McCloud attempts to comfort his comrade's widow, Nora, and father, James Temple, who operate a hotel. But McCloud realizes that mobsters, led by the infamous Johnny Rocco, are staying in the hotel. When the criminals take over the establishment, conflict is inevitable.
Director
John Huston
Producer
Jerry Wald
Screenwriter
Maxwell Anderson, Richard Brooks, John Huston
Distributor
Key Video, Warner Home Vídeo, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc., Warner Bros.
Production Co
Warner Brothers
Genre
Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 16, 1948, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 3, 2016
Runtime
1h 41m
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