Hi and welcome back Classics Cafe visitors. I hope you are sitting back, sipping and relaxing with your preferred cup of Joe or Tea while reading this post.
This month's Movie In the Public Domain is the 1938 Drama/Romance "Algiers". This is the story about a French jewel thief, Pepe le Moko, who evades police capture by hiding in the Casbah district of Algiers. Here, he meets and falls for the lovely American, Gaby and soon becomes obsessed with her, much to the disliking of the treacherous informant, Regis. He quickly hatches a plan to lure Pepe out of hiding.
Directed by John Cromwell, this one hour and 39 minute film stars Charles Boyer, Sigrid Gurie, and Hedy Lamarr. This movie is a remake of the successful 1937 French film "Pepe le Moko", based on the novel of the same name written by Henri La Barthe. This American version would receive four Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actor for Gene Lockhart's portrayal of Regis. The film was a hit, earning a profit of $150,466.
This film would also inspire the 1942 Warner Brothers screenplay for "Casablanca" and Charles Boyers depiction of Pepe le Moko would be the model for their animated character Pepe Le Pew.
So, if you are ready for your date with danger and your rendezvous with romance in the glamourous, mysterious Algiers, grab your remote and click on YouTube. The viewing is free!
Enjoy!
