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High Sierra

Play trailer Poster for High Sierra 1941 1h 40m Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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92% Tomatometer 26 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Aging mobster Big Mac (Donald MacBride) is looking to pull off one more heist before he retires. With his sights set on robbing a California casino, Big Mac breaks one of his former associates, Roy Earle (Humphrey Bogart), out of prison to mastermind the job. When the robbery goes awry, Earle is forced to go on the lam and settles for the night in the hills of the nearby Sierra Nevada. But, with the cops on his tail, Earle is soon forced to fend off the law from the mountains.
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High Sierra

Critics Reviews

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George Orwell Time and Tide Oct 2, 2023
For anyone who wants the ne plus ultra of sadism, bully-worship, gun-play, socks on the jaw and gangster atmosphere generally, this film is the goods. Go to Full Review
Brian Susbielles InSession Film Feb 28, 2023
A smash for director Raoul Walsh... Go to Full Review
James Kendrick Q Network Film Desk Feb 2, 2022
3/4
a pivotal crime film that took the basic components of the gangster film and reimagined them through a more romanticized, emotional lens Go to Full Review
Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Nov 13, 2021
4/4
Roy Earle proves to be one of the most sympathetic criminals in film history, which means his inevitable downfall takes on a tragic dimension not usually found in crime flicks Go to Full Review
Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies Oct 11, 2021
High Sierra is a solid gangster movie and a breakthrough showcase for Bogart's leading capabilities. Go to Full Review
Robin Holabird Robin Holabird Aug 10, 2021
Co-written by John Huston and directed by Raoul Walsh, the combination of gangster and film noir elements holds up well; predictable by genre standards but featuring top-notch talent. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Mauricio R @RT87072560 1 day ago Very predictable. It is a movie with "yet to develop" cinematic language: precipitated cuts and OST does not exactly match scenes. Bogart is not at his best, but is the only one really acting, for the others are far behind his skills. Photography is clear B&W. Difficult to watch until the end. Not my cup of tea. Oh, I almost forgot: the doctor is the best character in the whole movie. I cannot recommend watching this one. See more Patrick S @PatrickStruik Jan 2, 2026 A sublime Humphrey Bogart film. See more Blu B @RT43513976 Oct 22, 2025 It's a mix of gangster flick, noir, and melodrama dipping it's feet into all 3 pretty equally. Music is really good but I wish it was more distinct and catchy. Everything else though man is pretty masterful. I think a big part of the enjoyment level is how one feels about the whole subplot with the family and Bogart helping them out. For me I felt it was charming, added to his character depth, and was really well written in. I can see hwo someone could find it out of place and forced though and wanting to stay strictly on the crime and Lupino. To it's credit it does a really good job of doing all three. The direction is really good. As good as the whole supporting cast is, Bogart is the true star and shines. He sends the cast over the top. Lupino and him have great chemistry. The final 15 minutes is excellent and one heck of a thrill ride. I almost wish it went on longer and more of the film was focused on him being stuck up there with Lupino. Everyone should give this a try once. All Time Classic. See more Dave H. @GridGlory Sep 6, 2025 While watching, I realized why there isn’t much R-ism in film noir, despite the time period. Then “Sleep n Eat” makes his stunning appearance & I realize it’s hard to be R-ist in the other films, with no characters of color! See more Kyle M @RT77296778 Aug 20, 2025 Bogart’s leading breakthrough is reputably traced with his credible caliber to effortlessly embody his characterized nuances through this otherwise bland buildup to the engaging climax with humane polish and somber finish. (B) See more Russ G @RT78760655 Jul 24, 2025 Count me among those who were simply not impressed by the story. See more Read all reviews
High Sierra

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Movie Info

Synopsis Aging mobster Big Mac (Donald MacBride) is looking to pull off one more heist before he retires. With his sights set on robbing a California casino, Big Mac breaks one of his former associates, Roy Earle (Humphrey Bogart), out of prison to mastermind the job. When the robbery goes awry, Earle is forced to go on the lam and settles for the night in the hills of the nearby Sierra Nevada. But, with the cops on his tail, Earle is soon forced to fend off the law from the mountains.
Director
Raoul Walsh
Screenwriter
W. R. Burnett, John Huston
Distributor
Warner Home Vídeo, Warner Bros., MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc., Warner Bros. Pictures, Key Video
Production Co
Warner Brothers
Genre
Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 24, 1941, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 21, 2016
Runtime
1h 40m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
35mm, Flat (1.37:1)
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