Sirocco (1951)
Directed by Curtis Bernhardt

Film Review

One's critical perception of Sirocco is somewhat tarnished by the fact that it is an all too obvious attempt to cash in on the success of Casablanca (1942).  With a plot and setting that closely mirrors that of Casablanca, and with Humphrey Bogart again playing a cynical, politically neutral American expatriate, Sirocco can hardly be judged in any other light.  The film does have some strengths - atmospheric film noir photography and effective performances from Bogart and Lee J. Cobb - but these are greatly undermined by the uninspired direction, weak supporting cast and painfully contrived screenplay.  Most Bogart enthusiasts rate this as one of his worst films - and with some reason.

Film Synopsis

In 1925, Syria is under French control.  In Damascus, Emir Hassan resents the presence of French soldiers in his country and leads a violent insurrection which threatens to engulf the whole region.  Meanwhile, the French officer Colonel Féroud is determined to end the fighting by peaceful means.  His opportunity comes when he uncovers an American gunrunner, Harry Smith, who has been supplying guns and ammunition to the rebel leader Hassan.  Betrayed by the French, Harry is likely to be sentenced to death, but his life will be spared if he agrees to help arrange a meeting with the Emir so that Féroud can negotiate a peace treaty.  It turns out to be only a temporary reprieve...