Algiers (1938) Hedy Lamarr, Charles Boyer

Algiers (1938) Hedy Lamarr, Charles Boyer.Based on the 1937 adaptation of Roger D'Ashelbe's popular French novel PEPE LE MOKO, a renowned thief has been hiding from police in the Casbah, the native quarter of Algiers, for more than two years. Inspectors Slimaine and Louvaine (Joseph Calleia and Walter Kinsgsford) see Pepe Le Moko (Charles Boyer) repeatedly, but until he strays outside the Casbah they are powerless to arrest him. Then a member of Pepe’s inner circle, worried about his own safety, rats Pepe's hideout location to the police while simultaneously warning Pepe about the breach. Pepe and numerous bystanders, including attractive Gaby (Hedy Lamarr), are wounded as the band of thieves narrowly escapes the police. Gaby and Pepe begin to fall in love as the schemes to ensnare the master criminal grow deeper and more devious. This suspenseful romantic thriller, a Hollywood classic, features fine performances, a quality score, and excellent cinematography by James Wong Howe.Awards:Nominated for 4 Oscars.Hedy Lamarr (from IMDB)On November 9, 1913, Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler was born in Vienna, Austria, to a banker and his wife. Her first role was a bit part in the German film Geld auf der Straße (1930)(aka "Money on the Street") in 1930. In 1932 she appeared in a German film called Ekstase (1933) (US title: "Ecstasy") and had made the gutsy move to be nude. The film's nude scenes created a sensation all over the world. The scenes, very tame by today's standards, caused the film to be banned by the US government at the time. She was brought to the attention of MGM mogul Louis B. Mayer, who signed her to a contract (a notorious prude when it came to his studio's films, Mayer signed her against his better judgment, but the money he knew her notoriety would bring in to the studio overrode any "moral" concerns he may have had). However, he insisted she change her name and make good, wholesome films. Hedy made her American film debut as Gaby in Algiers (1938). This was followed a year later by Lady of the Tropics (1939). In 1942 she landed the plum role of Tondelayo in the classic White Cargo (1942). Unfortunately for Hedy, she turned down the leads in both Gaslight (1940) and Casablanca (1942), both of which would have cemented her standing in the minds of the American public. In 1949 she appeared as Delilah opposite Victor Mature's Samson in Cecil B. DeMille's epic Samson and Delilah (1949). This proved to be Paramount Pictures' most profitable movie to date, bringing in $12 million in rental from theaters. She was to make only six more films between 1949 and 1957, the last being The Female Animal (1958). Hedy then retired to Florida, where she died on January 19, 2000.

Channel: Film & Animation
Uploaded: November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am
Author: bruce235001

Length: 08:09
Rating: 4.86
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Tags: (1938)  Algiers  Boyer  Casbah  Charles  Hedy  Lamarr  Le  Moko  Pepe  

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