Directed by John Huston,The Maltese Falconhas a well-earned reputation as one ofHumphrey Bogart’s best movies.
It’s arguably his second most well-known film, behindCasablanca.
But Bogart never did return to the role.
However, he did headline a film with some very intentional similarities toThe Maltese Falcon.
In the movie, Bogart portrays Billy Dannreuther, a once-successful businessman struggling to earn a living.
An old rumor claims that Ronald Reagan was the original lead of Casablanca.
Custom image by Simone Ashmoore
Interestingly, the basis of this story is older than the movie itself.
The narrative it follows admittedly differs considerably fromThe Maltese Falcon.
Because just likeThe Maltese Falcon, a murder sparks his suspicions of several key characters.
Beat the Devil, directed by John Huston, follows a group of con artists, including Humphrey Bogart and Gina Lollobrigida, as they embark on a journey to stake their claim on a dubious uranium mine in Africa. This comedic adventure weaves together deception and intrigue against an exotic backdrop.
This allows it to come across as a comedic take on bothThe Maltese Falconand film noir in general.
One example of this is the partnership between Peter Lorre’s Julius O’Hara and Robert Morley’s Peterson.
In both movies, Lorre is the expendable pawn of his more calculating and sinister associate.
But, yet, it still manages to entertain.
That said, humor isn’t the only thing that makesBeat the Devila quality Humphrey Bogart movie.
This comedic adventure weaves together deception and intrigue against an exotic backdrop.
