I mean, is there any other prolific figure in the expanse of the silver screen who could pull off this role as well as the late, great Bogart?
The man just oozes class and cool, especially after a few, lets his guard down a little and you see the noble side to him glimmer underneath the surface.
As promised I revisted my 'old faithful' Casablanca and it never ceases to amaze me how prominent, how sharp and how monumental Humphrey Bogart is in this movie.
He's even a triumph in most of his other movies. I haven't seen them all but 'Sam Spade' from 'The Maltese Falcon' is just as sharp, just as witty and just as cool which certainly leads one to believe that Mr.Humphrey Bogart overcame his (let's be honest) unfortunate name and was as slick an individual off-screen as he was on it. I doubt the same can be said for Englebert Humperdink.
After a highly successful career (over 75 flicks), a high profile marriage which lasted the test of time and 2 kids apparantly Bogie was known to like his own company, preferring to stay in than be out under the bright lights. A man after my own heart.
Even after a few miserable years dealing with cancer his class and sense of humour couldnt be beat his last word believed to have been "I should never have switched from Scotch to Martinis"....Need I say more?
It's these facts alone which gives me hope for both the current breed of celebrity/movie-stars and, well, myself to be honest.
A giant in his world and as smooth a guy as one could ever be, and yet, just as happy and relished his home comforts and loved the same woman (admittedly his 2nd wife, but still) all his life.
THAT is what makes him an icon in my eyes.
The fact he could deliver a one-liner like nobody else is just a bonus.
Nicholas John Hancill
