Algiers (film)

Infobox_Film
name = Algiers


imdb_id = 0029855
producer = Walter Wanger
director = John Cromwell
writer = John Howard Lawson (screenplay)
James M. Cain (additional dialogue)
starring = Charles Boyer
Sigrid Gurie
Hedy Lamarr
music = Vincent Scotto
Mohamed Ygerbuchen
cinematography = James Wong Howe
editing = Otho Lovering
William H. Reynolds
distributor = United Artists
released = June 28, 1938
runtime = 96 min.
country = USA
amg_id = 1:1457
language = English

"Algiers" is a 1938 film directed by John Cromwell and starring Charles Boyer, Sigrid Gurie, and Hedy Lamarr. The Walter Wanger production was a remake of the successful 1937 French film "Pépé le Moko", which derived its plot from the Henri La Barthe novel of the same name. John Howard Lawson wrote the screenplay. The movie was a sensation because it was the first Hollywood film starring Hedy Lamarr whose stunning beauty became the main feature for moviegoers. The film is notable as one of the sources of inspiration to the screenwriters of the 1942 Warner Brothers film "Casablanca" who wrote it with Hedy Lamarr in mind as the original female lead. Per the Turner Classic Movie Channel, the main character, Pepe Le Moko, was the inspiration for Warner Brothers animated character, Pepe Le Pew.

Plot

Pepe Le Moko (Charles Boyer) is a notorious thief, who escaped from France after his last great heist to Algeria. Since his escape, Moko became a resident and leader of the immense Casbah, or "native quarter," of Algiers. French officials arrive insisting on Pepe's capture are met with unfazed local detectives, led by Inspector Slimane (Joseph Calleia), who are biding their time. Meanwhile, Pepe begins to feel increasingly trapped in his prison-like stronghold, a feeling which intensifies after meeting the beautiful Gaby (Hedy Lamarr), who is visiting from France. His love for Gaby soon arouses the jealousy of Ines (Sigrid Gurie), Pepe's Algerian mistress.

Cast

*Charles Boyer as Pepe le Moko
*Sigrid Gurie as Ines
*Hedy Lamarr as Gaby
*Joseph Calleia as Inspector Slimane
*Alan Hale as Grandpere
*Gene Lockhart as Regis
*Walter Kingsford as Chef Inspector Louvain
*Paul Harvey as Commissioner Janvier

In popular culture

The 1938 movie "Algiers" was most Americans' introduction to the picturesque alleys and souks of the Casbah. It was also the inspiration for the 1942 Warner Brothers movie "Casablanca" which was written specifically for Hedy Lamarr in the female lead role. However, MGM refused to release Hedy Lamarr despite all efforts by Warner Brothers.

The invitation "Come with me to the Casbah," which was heard in trailers for "Algiers" but not in the film itself, became an exaggerated romantic overture promising exoticism and mystery, largely owing to its use by "Looney Tunes" cartoon character Pepé Le Pew, himself a spoof of Pépé le Moko. The amorous skunk used "Come with me to ze Casbah" as a pickup line. In 1954, the "Looney Tunes" cartoon "The Cat's Bah" specifically spoofed "Algiers", with the skunk enthusiastically declaring, "You do not have to come with me to ze Casbah.... We are already 'ere!"

Reception

Academy Awards

* Best Actor (nomination) - Charles Boyer
* Best Supporting Actor (nomination) - Gene Lockhart
* Best Art Direction (nomination) - Alexander Toluboff
* Best Cinematography (nomination) - James Wong Howe

References

External links

*imdb title|id=0029855|title=Algiers