Certainly, Passage to Marseilles is no Casablanca or Maltese Falcon, because it is not intended to be. I find it a very entertaining and moving picture. The story, acting, and direction are excellent. I have no problem with the " flashbacks". Passage to Marseilles is just as entertaining and, in some aspects, more entertaining than Casablanca. The story line is complex and appealing. It was a film for its time and yet contains poignant and timeless truths about character and patriotism.
Bogart's elimination of the Nazi air crew is understandable in the context of the situation. The scenes although shot mainly on backlots, are compelling. The ending is sad but reflective of the movie's tone. I rank it as one of Bogie's best... right after The Treasure of the Sierra Madre and High Sierra.
Bogart's elimination of the Nazi air crew is understandable in the context of the situation. The scenes although shot mainly on backlots, are compelling. The ending is sad but reflective of the movie's tone. I rank it as one of Bogie's best... right after The Treasure of the Sierra Madre and High Sierra.