You know how to whistle, don't you, Steve? You just put your lips together - and blow.
[Image](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/285626801356904010/)To Have and Have Not (1944) - Another “old is gold” and this time the winners are Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Directed by Howard Hawks this film is a seemingly odd love affair between an atypical fisherman and a jaw-dropping drifter in Vichy France where, I should say, the ambiance drew the attention. In the midst of WWII on the coast of Martinique, where French Resistance is increasing, there seems to be no chance for the two birds. You may sing “I fell in love with you watching Casablanca” but don’t forget to give this movie a try.
[Image](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/285626801356904014/)I see you have been itching to know what the story is about. This is an adaptation from To Have and Have Not written by Ernest Hemingway in 1937. Also starring side by side Walter Brennan, Dolores Moran, Hoagy Carmichael, Sheldon Leonard, Dan Seymour, and Marcel Dalio. You may perceive a common occurrence in that era, majority of the films based on the WWII scenario, brewing tension all around and the cast facing dilemmas of whether to help or not, should they choose sides or not, get involved or remain neutral. But, the protagonist will pick a side and fight to see it through the end; and where does love fit in all that!
[Image](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/285626801356904024/)It wasn’t “love and first sight” for Slim aka Marie (Bacall) and Steve aka Harry (Bogart). After a tini tiny fishing mishap, our love birds met in a bar of a hotel where Slim was pickpocketing and Harry caught her, the fondness between them started to grow as they go at it like hammer and tongs. But in the midst of a shootout, the guy, who owed Harry some money, died and his belongings were taken by the authorities; hence Harry’s money was stuck. Trying to figure out how to send Slim home, Harry takes a risky job and bought a ticket for her; no she didn’t leave. When Harry comes back from the job after mishaps, he finds Slim in the lobby. With growing French Resistance involvement, Harry was forced to choose between getting in the heart of this fiasco and save the others, and staying back and face the wrath of the police. Well, the rest you can guess.
[Image](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/285626801356904012/)It was of the top 30 grossing pictures of 1944 regardless of the unflattering critical response. Not to mention, in her debut Lauren Bacall did prove her worth in the industry. All the witty liners and twists and turns have certainly made this movie worth the time. Here's to To Have and Have Not (1944).
