Algiers

Shown on TCM as part of a James Wong Howe retrospective, so it's not surprising that the best thing about Algiers is the camera work, although some of the exterior shots of Algiers were by someone else. Most notable as Hedy Lamarr's first Hollywood film and its supposed influence on Casablanca.

The American remake of the French film Pépé le Moko (1937). Pretty much a complete rip-off scene for scene which is why, as the legend goes, they tried to destroy all copies of the original so people wouldn't know. It basically comes down to if you want a Frenchman talking French or a Frenchman talking English for your lead. Charles Boyer was probable more credible as a charming crime boss, but part of what made Jean Gabin's performance so unique was his mellow approach to Pépé le Moko.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K59fx1gcJwI [720p] [SUBS: fra]

I wonder if people in the 30s bitched about remakes as much as they do now

Very gritty crime drama for its day. Also threw in a romance. Best performance by Boyer that I've seen.

A fun little classic. Vaguely reminiscent of Casablanca. Charles Boyer is great as an underground criminal. This is also a well-picked role for Lamarr, I can't imagine anyone else in her place.

Not a great movie overall but there is one dynamite scene of Boyer seducing Lamarr.

Directed by John Cromwell, it's a remake of the infinitely superior French film, PÉPÉ LE MOKO. This version is pure Hollywood, sacrificing everything to glamour, and the heavy makeup and studio lighting make it all seem so artificial one can get giggly. In the role that Jean Gabin made famous, Boyer (who may be an even greater actor than Gabin) is reduced to giving so many passionate, hot glances at the inhumanly beautiful Lamarr that he almost becomes a self-caricature.