To Have and Have Not

Released in 1944, "To Have and Have Not" is a classic war drama film directed by Howard Hawks, with a screenplay co-written by Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and Jules Furthman. The movie is based on Hemingway's 1937 novel of the same name, and it tells the story of Harry Morgan, a rugged and charismatic American charter boat skipper living in the picturesque town of Port-au-Prince, on the French island of Martinique. The film takes place in the late 1930s, just before the start of World War II. Harry Morgan is a fisherman and a boatman by profession, who operates his 40-foot vessel, the Pilar, out of Martinique. He is a hard-drinking, hard-fighting bachelor, who earns his living by carrying people and goods across the island's waters. Harry's life is uncomplicated and centered around his boat, his drinking buddies, and his occasional romantic dalliances. However, things become complicated for Harry when he gets embroiled in the lives of a group of American women who have been smuggled onto the island by his friends. They are members of the French Resistance, a secret alliance of anti-Nazi groups operating in France during World War II. The women are determined to join the Resistance in France and fight against the Nazi occupation, but they need Harry's help to get there. One of the women, Marie "Slattery" (played by Lauren Bacall), becomes the object of Harry's desire and attention. Marie is a beautiful and fiery American journalist, who sees her involvement with the Resistance as a way to get out of a mundane marriage back in the States. She is fiercely independent and strong-willed, and she quickly captures Harry's heart. As Harry navigates the complex world of the Resistance, he begins to see the world in a different light. He becomes embroiled in the lives of the French and the Americans, and he starts to realize the gravity of the situation. Harry must use his boat and his wits to smuggle people and goods across the island's waters, all while avoiding the watchful eyes of the Nazi authorities. Meanwhile, Captain Louis (played by Walter Brennan), the ruthless and cunning head of the French gendarmerie, becomes Harry's nemesis. Louis is determined to capture the Resistance operatives and crush their efforts to undermine the Nazi occupation. He sees Harry as a threat to his authority and orders him to be arrested and deported for harboring the fugitives. As the story unfolds, Harry is forced to confront his own sense of identity and purpose. He must decide whether to continue living his carefree, hedonistic lifestyle or to take a stand against the Nazi occupation. Ultimately, Harry chooses to help the Resistance, using his boat and his skills to smuggle the operatives across the island's waters and into the safety of the countryside. " To Have and Have Not" is a gripping tale of love, adventure, and redemption. It explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the human condition during times of war. With its strong performances, its gripping storyline, and its memorable dialogue, this classic film has stood the test of time. The on-screen chemistry between Harry Morgan and Marie "Slattery" is undeniable, and their romance becomes the emotional core of the film. The film's cinematography is a work of art, capturing the beauty and the romance of the island of Martinique. The lush green forests, the turquoise waters, and the rugged coastline provide a picturesque backdrop for the action to unfold. The movie's script is full of memorable lines, each one etched into the memory of filmgoers for generations. One of the most iconic lines in film history is delivered by Lauren Bacall, when she asks Humphrey Bogart, playing Harry Morgan, "You know how to whistle, Steve? You just put your lips together and blow." This iconic scene has been parodied, referenced, and homaged in countless films and television shows. "To Have and Have Not" is more than just a classic war drama; it's a timeless romance, a gripping adventure, and a moving human drama. It celebrates the bravery, the loyalty, and the sacrifice that people made during World War II, while also highlighting the human side of the war. This 1944 film is a testament to the power of cinema to capture the spirit of a generation and to remind us of the enduring power of human relationships in the face of adversity.