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      The Key

      Released Jul 1, 1958 2h 5m Romance List
      Reviews 58% 100+ Ratings Audience Score During World War II, Englishwoman Stella (Sophia Loren) is involved with Capt. Ford (Trevor Howard), who commands a military tugboat. Ford's mission is dangerous because his slow-moving ship is an easy target. Eventually, he is gunned down in action and Capt. Ross (William Holden) replaces him. Before long, Ross also begins a relationship with Stella, but she warns the newcomer that she may be cursed -- captain after captain has come through her door, and each has met the same grim fate at sea. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Premiered Jan 21 Buy Now

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      Audience Reviews

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      Audience Member Not very interesting and overlong. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Audience Member + CinemaScope film in B&W: Something old is new framing a peculiar story about tugboat captains in the days before the U.S. entered WW2, captains who pulled damaged & on-fire British merchant, and other, ships to salvage after being attacked by Nazi subs. The Q never answered is why the Nazi subs never finished-off the wounded ducks and allowed them to be pulled back to repair and duty. + The acting by Howard and Holden is amateurish. Loren is great, she of the highest cheekboned beauty, but is not given much of a part with which to work. + Carol Reed, Director, alternates between stage play set-ups and some amazing ocean scenes. However he never makes-up his mind whether the camera should be level with the horizon or canted - persistently artsy to the point of annoyance. + Folks in the '50's paying to see this film likely left the theater disappointed - altho' tickets weren't more than a $1.50 probably. But it was something of a waste of more than 2-hours. The film does provide a look at the nature of man-woman relationships that seem so different & more congenial then - probably influenced by war as well as the times. In the end, The End is lacking & unsatisfying, too. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/18/23 Full Review Audience Member A brooding love story with Sophia Loren playing a complex character in this respect which does help give this part of the story some depth. The all too infrequent action scenes at sea give it some much needed liveliness at times. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member The historical value is high, giving an insight to the Second World War that we seldom see. But the movie goes beyond history and delves into the mores of the time. I am reminded of La Malinche...a woman's situation with several possible interpretations. I recommend this film to anyone interested in the dynamic cultural changes in response to the war. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/17/23 Full Review Audience Member Good acting but could have used a heavy dose of the editor's shears. Overlong long by at least half an hour. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member Young Sophia Loren as a .... man-eater, kind of. So tragic..... Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/19/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      The Key

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      Critics Reviews

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      Basil Wright Sight & Sound Carol Reed is right back on form. Mar 30, 2020 Full Review Roger Moore Movie Nation It’s not quite “Kwai” in “prestige picture” polish. But “The Key” is damned good, and a terrific addition to your “Victory at Sea” World War II drama bucket list. Rated: 3/4 Oct 9, 2023 Full Review Cole Smithey ColeSmithey.com Rated: 4/5 Sep 29, 2007 Full Review Steve Crum Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers Suspense + Carol Reed directing Sophia Loren and Wiliam Holden. Rated: 4/5 Feb 6, 2007 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis During World War II, Englishwoman Stella (Sophia Loren) is involved with Capt. Ford (Trevor Howard), who commands a military tugboat. Ford's mission is dangerous because his slow-moving ship is an easy target. Eventually, he is gunned down in action and Capt. Ross (William Holden) replaces him. Before long, Ross also begins a relationship with Stella, but she warns the newcomer that she may be cursed -- captain after captain has come through her door, and each has met the same grim fate at sea.
      Director
      Carol Reed
      Screenwriter
      Carl Foreman
      Production Co
      Columbia
      Genre
      Romance
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Jul 1, 1958, Limited
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Jan 11, 2011
      Runtime
      2h 5m
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