Dark Passage
A man convicted of murdering his wife escapes from prison and works with a woman to try and prove his innocence.
Critics Sentiment
Madge plunges through window to her death during confrontation
Parry discovers friend George dead in his apartment
The film's biggest swing occurs when the plastic surgery sequence and Bogart reveal (8.3) drops significantly to George's murder discovery (6.4), representing nearly a 2-point decline as plot contrivances strain credibility.
Critics appreciate Dark Passage for its atmospheric San Francisco noir setting and the chemistry between Bogart and Bacall, but consistently note that excessive plot coincidences and contrivances undermine the story's believability. The supporting performances, particularly Agnes Moorehead's scene-stealing villain and the colorful character actors, receive universal praise and elevate the material beyond its script limitations. While the subjective camera technique and plastic surgery concept intrigue critics initially, the film's reputation as the weakest Bogart-Bacall collaboration reflects these structural storytelling issues.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 28
Humphrey Bogart
Vincent Parry
Lauren Bacall
Irene Jansen
Bruce Bennett
Bob
Agnes Moorehead
Madge Rapf
Tom D'Andrea
Cabby (Sam)
Clifton Young
Baker
Douglas Kennedy
Detective Kennedy
Rory Mallinson
George Fellsinger
Houseley Stevenson
Dr. Walter Coley
Mary Field
Aunt Mary at Bus Station (uncredited)
John Arledge
Lonely Man at Bus Station (uncredited)
Vince Edwards
Cop at Tollbooth (uncredited)
Leonard Bremen
Bus Ticket Clerk (uncredited)
Paul Panzer
Bus Passenger (uncredited)
Clancy Cooper
Man on Street Seeking Match (uncredited)
Dudie Maschmeyer
Man (uncredited)
Michael Daves
Michael (uncredited)
Tom Fadden
Diner Counterman Serving Parry (uncredited)
Ross Ford
Ross (uncredited)
Ian MacDonald
Cop in Bus Depot (uncredited)
Crew
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