Schach dem Teufel

I wouldn’t expect John Huston behind this movie and or even recognize him in it, but that’s all right. Bogie relies more on his charisma rather than delivering an outstanding acting performance, but it’s more than enough for the part. Fact is that Bogart’s standard performance is on a different level than that of other mortal beings. And that applies 100% to the charming Jennifer Jones too. In the whole movie there isn’t any one distinctive scene, from a genre point of view it’s all “chop and change" the pace is not the fastest and the plot is just pro forma. Nevertheless it is a good movie. The final result is pleasantly light, not a comedy, but easygoing stuff. You get a grin on your face at the beginning (just the looks of the foursome of “gangsters" – Robert Morley or Peter Lorre, for instance) and it stays there not just throughout the movie, but even after it finishes (no permanent damage, though). Beat the Devil is a picture without any strong pluses or minuses. Just above average, but very pleasant. (09.04.2008)

It's not the most notable film in Bogart's career, but it stands out precisely because of Humphrey and the other great actors. Seeing Peter Lorre anywhere is just a joy. His face is so friendly, even though he mostly plays scoundrels. This is simply a wonderfully cast film where it's not so much about what's happening but who is experiencing it. (02.12.2014)